Leadership Continuity: Dr. Nancy J. Brown to Lead Yale School of Medicine for Another Five Years

Yale School of Medicine Celebrates Reappointment of Dr. Nancy J. Brown as Dean

Dr. Nancy J. Brown has been reappointed for a second five-year term as the Jean and David W. Wallace Dean of Medicine and C.N.H. Long Professor of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, as announced by President Maurie McInnis and Provost Scott Strobel. Her second term will begin on July 1. The reappointment acknowledges Dr. Brown's successful leadership over the past five years, which has advanced the school's mission and elevated its national and global reputation. McInnis and Strobel highlighted her pivotal role in guiding the institution through the COVID-19 pandemic and thanked the YSM community for their collective efforts in achieving progress and transformation.

Under Dr. Brown's leadership, Yale School of Medicine has made significant strides in its mission to provide debt-free medical education for all students with demonstrated financial need. This includes a major $25 million pledged gift from the Starr Foundation in 2023, which has bolstered the school’s ability to attract exceptional students from around the world. Yale School of Medicine (YSM) has recently expanded resources to support faculty in balancing teaching responsibilities, increased institutional funding for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and revamped the Master of Health Sciences program. The school has also renovated spaces to foster creativity and dialogue, providing students with better opportunities to connect with peers, faculty, residents, fellows, and alumni. In addition, YSM launched six student advisory houses to offer academic and career advising, mentorship, and research opportunities.

In 2023, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education reaccredited YSM’s educational program for another eight years, recognizing its high quality. Dr. Brown has also led significant advancements in the school's clinical mission. In collaboration with Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS), YSM developed its first joint strategic plan, aligning operations and care delivery. A key achievement was the creation of the Aligned Clinician Enterprise, which partners with YSM and YNHHS clinicians to ensure the highest standards of care, safety, and efficiency.

Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) introduced a new "funds flow model" to increase reinvestment in research and clinical care. YSM's clinical chairs, now appointed as physicians-in-chief across the health system, are collaborating with other leaders to optimize care in their specialities. Under Dr. Brown’s leadership, YSM has significantly expanded its research capacity and impact. The school secured increased research funding and attracted renowned scientists, clinicians, and leaders. YSM also developed research spaces at 100 College Street, 300 George Street, and 101 College Street, and advanced infrastructure for emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. The school further expanded faculty support by joining the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub New York and establishing several new programs to advance its mission and contribute to the broader university science strategy.

Dr. Brown expressed her honor in being part of YSM, highlighting the faculty, students, trainees, and staff for their contributions to advancing knowledge and improving health. In their message, McInnis and Strobel expressed gratitude to the YSM community members who contributed to the reappointment review process, highlighting the diverse feedback and ideas received. They noted that many individuals appreciated Dr. Brown's principled leadership and dedication to YSM’s mission. The YSM community was particularly pleased with advancements in medical education support, clinical operations, and collaborative research.

McInnis and Strobel shared that Dr. Brown views the heart of YSM’s mission as its community. In her second term, she is committed to further listening to the community and fostering an environment that values and utilizes everyone’s strengths. They expressed confidence in her leadership, anticipating continued progress in advancing YSM’s work in improving health outcomes. Dr. Brown's reappointment signals continued progress and innovation at Yale School of Medicine, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in education, research, and clinical care.

Editor's Note:

The reappointment of Dr. Nancy J. Brown as Dean of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine is an important milestone for the institution. Her leadership over the past five years has helped the school navigate tough challenges while also achieving new levels of success in education and research. Under Dr. Brown, Yale has made significant improvements in medical education, clinical work, and research collaboration. The creation of student advisory houses, the updated Master of Health Sciences program, and the partnership with Yale New Haven Health System are examples of her forward-thinking approach. Dr. Brown's strong leadership and commitment to the school’s mission have earned her great respect. Her focus on community involvement and making the most of everyone's strengths suggests even more success is on the way. Skoobuzz believes that Yale School of Medicine will continue to make progress and achieve great things under her leadership.