Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Research for Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has been named dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Balser, who has served as interim dean since July 2008, becomes only the 11th dean ofVanderbilt University School of Medicinesince its founding in 1875. In addition to his responsibilities as dean, Balser will be associate vice chancellor for Health Affairs, with continued oversight for medical center research.

"Dr. Balser has earned the respect of his colleagues in the School of Medicine, and throughout Vanderbilt, for his keen intellect, sound judgment and high ethical standards," saidChancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos. "I have great confidence that Jeff will continue to advance the School of Medicine to new heights of excellence, both nationally and internationally."

"Dr. Balser was chosen from an outstanding group of nationally prominent candidates," said Harry R. Jacobson, M.D., Vanderbilt's vice chancellor for Health Affairs. "He is a leader, a clinician, a researcher and a mentor with the energy and insight to lead the School of Medicine to an even greater level of achievement in the years to come."

"I'm proud to be entrusted with this honor," Balser said. "As an alumnus of our Medical School, I am deeply committed to the lives and careers of our faculty and staff, and our growing number of students and trainees in the sciences and healthcare."

Source: Vanderbilt News Service