Medical School Appoints New Deputy Dean for Education

Herbert S. Chase, M.D., will become Deputy Dean for Education at the Yale School of Medicine in July 2000, Dean David Kessler has announced.

Herbert S. Chase, M.D., will become Deputy Dean for Education at the Yale School of Medicine in July 2000, Dean David Kessler has announced.

Chase succeeds Robert H. Gifford, M.D., who has held the position since 1998. He was Associate Dean for Education and Student Affairs for 13 years before the position was changed to its current title. Beloved by students and faculty alike, Gifford is preparing to teach science in the New Haven public schools after he retires.

“The search committee was enthusiastic about many candidates, but the unanimous first choice was Dr. Chase,” said Amy Herman, a third-year medical student who served on the search committee along with other students, deans and chairs of different medical school departments.

An accomplished medical educator and recipient of numerous honors and awards for research and teaching, Chase comes to Yale from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he has taught since 1980. He is currently professor of clinical medicine and is an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospital.

“The fruits of years of scientific research are now in our hands,” Chase said. “We are entering an era of molecular medicine where we can target specific molecules in the prevention and curing of illness. This new world brings many challenges and questions, but I am certain that it will be at this great institution that solutions for these challenges emerge.”

“This is a great time to be a doctor, a great time to be at Yale, and I’m glad I’m here,” Chase added.

In announcing Chase’s appointment, Dean Kessler also announced that the school will renew its system of medical education to more effectively meet the public’s needs and expectations. Kessler has proposed a graduate school-style environment that emphasizes self-directed learning; less time for lectures and more time in workshops; examinations for self-assessment only; increased independent research and scholarship; and more student/faculty mentoring and clinical clerkships.

“Dr. Chase has a passionate commitment to inspired and inspiring teaching,” said Kessler. “He has a strong track record of achieving better integration of basic science with the practice of medicine. Yale School of Medicine is extremely fortunate to have Dr. Chase join our ranks.”

Chase will join Yale on July 1, 2000. His duties will include enhancing Yale’s educational environment by overseeing the educational budget, the curriculum and related educational activities; expanding facilities to accommodate the increased number of small group sessions; developing faculty by raising the level of teaching throughout the medical school and the hospital; and improving the system of evaluating students.

Chase will also have overall responsibility for student affairs, admissions, financial aid and multicultural affairs.

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Media Contact

Karen N. Peart: karen.peart@yale.edu, 203-980-2222