Committee Descriptions
Provost's Standing Committees
- Academic Accommodations Advisory Committee
Chair: Kim Barker, M.D., Associate Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Charge: Working in conjunction with the Office for Access and Title IX, oversees requested academic accommodations and medical leave for students at UT Southwestern.
Objective: Provides oversight for the accommodations process. Reviews accommodation recommendations made by Campus Accessibility Services, as needed.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Academic Accommodations Advisory Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Members of the Academic Accommodations Advisory Committee have no term limits, so the UT Southwestern Medical School Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: Because the committee greatly values the expertise of its members, participation in the discussion and recommendations of accommodations when asked is an essential component.
Meeting Frequency: Meeting frequency for this committee is ad hoc. Meetings may consist of discussion and recommendations regarding student accommodations that may have a unique impact for the schools and students on campus. Meetings may also entail updated information regarding accommodations for students.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
EDU-103 Reasonable Accommodations for Qualified Applicants and Learners with Disabilities
- Core Facilities Committee
Chair: Deborah Carlson, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Research Support Facilities; Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics
Charge: Assess the availability and quality of core research support services at UTSW in relation to local needs and external alternatives. This includes evaluating existing core facilities, identifying gaps, and recommending new services as needed. Review the operations and financial performance of current cores, including individual budgets. Submit an annual report of findings and recommendations to the Dean of Basic Research.
Objective: Ensure that UTSW researchers have access to cutting edge research support services that are most practically offered by centralized core labs. Ensure the services are of high quality, provide a rapid turnaround time, and are accessible to all faculty and at reasonable cost when compared to external sourcing.
Nomination and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Core Facilities Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Members of the Core Facilities Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: Review annual reports and both prospective and current budgets of each UTSW-supported core. Meet with core directors annually to discuss and review operations, service scope and quality, proposed changes, and budgets. Committee members prepare annual evaluative reports on each core. The chair of the committee will collate and provide them to the Dean of Basic Research.
Meeting Frequency: Annual; One meeting for each core laboratory
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Faculty Advisory Board
Chair: W. P. Andrew Lee, M.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean, UT Southwestern Medical School.
Charge: The UT Southwestern Faculty Advisory Board (FAB) is the official faculty governance body of the UT Southwestern campus as envisioned in the UT System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, Rule 20201: Presidents, Section 4.9 (a), (b) and (c).
Objective: The Faculty Advisory Board shall have a major role in the governance of UT Southwestern in the areas of general academic policies and welfare; student life and activities; requirements of admission and graduation; honors and scholastic performance; approval of candidates for graduation; and faculty rules of procedure.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The Faculty Advisory Board consists of the Executive Vice Presidents, Department Chairs, Center Directors, Vice Provosts, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dean of the School of Health Professions, and Dean of the Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements; Must be one of the following: Executive Vice President, Department Chair, Center Director, Vice Provost, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dean of the School of Health Professions, or Dean of the Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health.
Term Limits: Members of the Faculty Advisory Board have no term limits.
Member Responsibilities: Members will vote and approve measures related to the elements described in the Objectives section.
Meeting Frequency: Six times per year.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
ORG-253 UT Southwestern Medical Center – Faculty and Staff Engagement; Faculty Governance
- Faculty Compensation Committee
Chair: Rinarani Sanghavi, M.D., M.B.A, Professor of Pediatrics
Charge: Assess compensation equity across UT Southwestern departments for gender and race/ethnicity. Assess differences and factors accounting for differences. Provide guidance to the Dean/senior leadership on possible interventions to address differences. Transparently share results with faculty.
Objective: Assess and monitor compensation equity across UT Southwestern faculty in all schools.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Faculty Compensation Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Members of the Faculty Compensation Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities:
Review materials sent prior to the meeting
Attend at least 80% of meetings
Maintain confidentiality of data presented
Be fully present and engaged when at meetings
Innovative ideas are encouraged
Meeting Frequency:
Once a month unless more frequent meetings are needed.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Institutional Faculty Post-Tenure Review Committee
Chair: Joseph A. Hill, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Biology
Charge: To provide a periodic review on a five year schedule of all tenured faculty who: 1. Reside in a department without sufficient numbers of tenured faculty to assemble a Departmental Post-Tenure Review Committee; 2. Are Department Chairs or Center Directors; 3. Are dean of the School of Health Professions or O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health; 4. Are referred to the committee by the Dean; or 5. Receive negative ratings of “does not meet expectations” or “unsatisfactory” from their Department Post-Tenure Review Committees.
Objective: To provide periodic post-tenure review for tenured faculty members who fall within the categories listed above.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Institutional Faculty Post-Tenure Review Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: Membership on this committee requires having been awarded tenure.
Term Limits: Members of the Institutional Faculty Post-Tenure Review Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at his/her discretion.
Member Responsibilities: To gauge whether an individual faculty member with tenure continues to fulfill the UT Southwestern criteria for full Professor with Tenure. These activities are broadly divided into scholarly activities, clinical activities when appropriate, and administrative/leadership activities.
Meeting Frequency: Once annually with rare need for a brief second meeting.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee
Chair: Jun Wu, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Molecular Biology
Charge: The UT Southwestern Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO) Committee is charged with the oversight of human stem cell research involving human embryos, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) proposed by UT Southwestern Principal Investigators and/or involving the use of university facilities or resources.
Objective: Ensuring the requisite level of oversight as outlined in the applicable guidelines or at the request of a UT Southwestern research oversight committee, serving as a resource to provide information to investigators on regulations and professional guidelines, as well as on ethical, legal, and other issues pertaining to human stem cell research, and providing review of relevant University Policies and Procedures and recommending changes to University leadership as needed to ensure compliance with the relevant guidelines.
Nomination and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility. The UT Southwestern SCRO Committee should be composed of individuals with knowledge and expertise in stem cell science, bioethics, medicine, and law, with representation of a lay perspective. The Committee may consult with content experts as necessary.
The Committee will be composed of voting members with the following characteristics:
- Non-Scientist with the ability to provide a lay/community perspective
- UT Southwestern faculty member with bioethics expertise
- UT Southwestern faculty member with legal and/or regulatory expertise
- UT Southwestern faculty member with expertise in the life sciences, preferably with scientific expertise in human embryology, reproduction, and/or research involving hESC and/or iPSC
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Members of the SCRO Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: Ensure the requisite level of oversight is provided for human stem cell research proposed by UT Southwestern Principal Investigators and/or involving the use of university facilities or resources, as outlined in the applicable guidelines or at the request of a UT Southwestern research oversight committee. Serve as a resource to provide information to investigators on regulations and professional guidelines, as well as on ethical, legal, and other issues pertaining to human stem cell research. Review relevant University Policies and Procedures and recommend changes to university leadership as needed to ensure compliance with the relevant guidelines.
Meeting Frequency: On an as needed basis
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Student Assistance Committee
Chair: Sidarth Wakhlu, M.D. Professor of Psychiatry
Charge: To assist students with impairment and students facing life problems that are significantly impacting their ability to function effectively.
Objective: The purpose of the Student Assistance Committee (SAC) is to work with students and concerned faculty and administrators to encourage and facilitate recognition, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of students with a suspected or confirmed impairment. The goal of SAC is to support and assist students with impairment so that they can regain full function, successfully complete their training, and acquire the skills and perspective necessary to have a fulfilling professional career.
Nomination and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Student Assistance Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Members of the SAC have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: Attend monthly meetings during which students being followed by the SAC are interviewed about how they are progressing with their current plan. Members can question the students and then afterwards give feedback as to the wisdom/value of the current plan, give suggestions as to alternatives (i.e. the need for treatment, drug testing, educational assessment, etc.), and recommendation as to the need for continued monitoring by SAC. Additionally, from time to time, they can be called on to interview students outside of the normal SAC meeting, to assist with assessments/progress checks.
Meeting Frequency: Monthly, ad hoc meetings may occur, if required.
References:
EDU-103 Reasonable Accommodations for Qualified Applicants and Learners with Disabilities
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
Medical School Standing Committees
- Admissions Committee
Chair: Ava Pierce, M.D., Professor of Emergency Medicine
Charge: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean establishes and charges the Medical School Admissions Committee Admissions Committee as a Dean’s Standing Committee, reporting directly to the Dean to implement the admissions process in accordance with established standards. The Admissions Committee is charged with developing and executing the admissions process and making final decisions regarding the acceptance of students to the Medical School, free from external influence or conflicts of interest.
Objective: To review applications of interviewed applicants for admission to the Medical School, assess the suitability of applicants for admission, and determine which applicants will receive Medical School admission offers.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee consists of both appointed and elected faculty. The Dean appoints members of the Admissions Committee annually. The faculty elects three (3) faculty members to serve on the Admissions Committee. The Dean accepts nominations for the elected positions from the Southwestern Academy of Teachers, Department Chairs, or self-nomination, and conducts the election.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements outlined in FAC-203.
Term Limits: Dean-appointed members of the Admissions Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion. Elected members have a 3-year term limit.
Member Responsibilities: Review, present and recommend medical school interviewed applicants for admissions consideration. Committee members meet prior to the start of each interview/admissions season to review policies and the overall applicant review and selection process. The committee annually reviews the mission statement, LCME guidelines, policies related to conflict of interest, and other relevant processes. Any changes to committee processes will also be presented at the Medical Education and Curriculum Committee.
Meeting Frequency: Virtual meetings are held on Thursday evenings from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm throughout the duration of the interview season, which extends from August to January.
References:
FAC-203 UT Southwestern Medical School Admissions Committee
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Faculty Promotion and Tenure Committee
Chair: Lance Terada, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine and Surgery
Co-Chairs: Myra Wyckoff, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Yi Liu, Ph.D., Professor of Physiology
Charge: The committee functions in an advisory capacity to the Dean of the Medical School to select and retain superb faculty members through recognition of excellence in all the institution's broad missions.
Objective: The Dean appoints the Promotion and Tenure Committee (PTC) as a Dean’s Standing Committee to advise the Dean regarding the selection and retention of superb faculty members who demonstrate excellence in patient care, education, and/or research, as required by the track on which they are appointed. The PTC’s objective is to perform an in depth, fair, and objective review of all faculty candidates who are nominated for promotion with or without tenure, and to make a recommendation to the Dean after completion of this review.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Faculty Promotion & Tenure Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, department chairs and center directors, and senior associate and associate deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility. For the PTC, the Dean of the Medical School, the Dean of Basic Research, all senior associate deans, and the Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs are ex officio members of the committee.
Minimum Rank Requirements: The PTC Chair and committee members must hold the rank of Professor, present a record of accomplishments exemplary of track-specific scholarly ideals, and demonstrate commitment to UT Southwestern.
Term Limits: There are no term limits on PTC membership; however, PTC members receive notice annually if their appointment will continue into the next fiscal year.
Member Responsibilities: PTC members fulfill their duties during the regular promotion and tenure season and also participate in ad hoc committees for newly appointed associate professors and professors throughout the year. Committee members may be designated as primary reviewers for specific nominees during both the regular season and in ad hoc meetings. In this role, they thoroughly examine all submitted materials and engage with external referees to gather assessments from faculty at other institutions regarding the national and international standing of the candidate. When not a primary reviewer, committee members remain a voting member of the committee for meetings at which they are in attendance.
Meeting Frequency: For the regular promotion and tenure season, the PTC meets weekly beginning after Thanksgiving break continuing through April or until all assignments are completed. PTC members are expected to attend as many regular P&T meetings during the season as feasible, along with approximately 6 ad hoc meetings throughout the year. Ad hoc meetings are held virtually via Zoom, typically around 5:00 PM.
References:
FAC-204 UT Southwestern Medical School Faculty Promotion and Tenure Committee
FAC-351 UT Southwestern Medical School Criteria for Promotion and Tenure
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Graduate Medical Education Committee
Chair: Larissa Velez, M.D., Professor of Emergency Medicine and Graduate Medical Education
Charge: The Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC), in collaboration with the Designated Institutional Official (DIO), has authority and responsibility for the oversight and administration of each of the Sponsoring Institution's ACGME-accredited programs, as well as for ensuring compliance with the ACGME Institutional, Common, and specialty/subspecialty-specific Program Requirements.
Objective: GMEC responsibilities must include oversight of: the ACGME accreditation status of the Sponsoring Institution and each of its ACGME-accredited programs; the quality of the GME learning and working environment within the Sponsoring Institution, and its participating sites; the quality of educational experiences in each ACGME-accredited program that lead to measurable achievement of educational outcomes as identified in the ACGME Common and specialty/subspecialty-specific Program Requirements; the ACGME-accredited programs annual evaluation and improvement activities; and all processes related to reduction and closure of individual ACGME-accredited programs, major participating sites, and the Sponsoring Institution. The GMEC also oversees all non-ACGME-accredited UTSW-sponsored sub-specialty fellowship training programs.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Graduate Medical Education Committee and with input from the Designated Institutional Officer (DIO) and GMEC Chair, appoints members of the GMEC. The GMEC membership must include the DIO, a representative sample of program directors from the ACGME-accredited training programs, a minimum of two (2) peer-selected residents/fellows from among the ACGME-accredited programs, and a quality improvement or patient safety officer or designee. GMEC membership will also include non-voting members representing the Office of Graduate Medical Education at UT Southwestern and the affiliated hospitals of UT Southwestern. Affiliated hospital members shall be recommended by each affiliate with approval of the Dean and Chair of GMEC.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements outlined in FAC-207.
Term Limits: Core members serve for the duration of their appointment as program directors (or other required positions). At-large members serve for two (2) years with possible extensions. Resident/fellow members typically serve a one (1) year term.
Member Responsibilities: All members should make every effort to attend all meetings and must attend the majority (51%) of meetings. At least one voting resident/fellow member must attend the meeting for a quorum to exist and voting to take place. All members are expected to review all meeting documents in advance of the meeting.
Meeting Frequency: The GMEC meets at least quarterly during an academic year.
References:
FAC-207 Graduate Medical Education Committee
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- LCME Standards Committee
Chair: Sherry Huang, M.D., Vice Provost and Senior Associate Dean for Education
Charge: To evaluate programmatic compliance with all LCME Standards and Elements and implement changes for improvement.
Objective: To continuously evaluate and ensure adherence to all LCME Standards and Elements for accreditation.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the LCME Standards Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Members of the LCME Standards Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: The LCME Standards Committee serves as a key body responsible for ensuring that the medical school maintains full compliance with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation standards. The committee’s role is to continuously monitor, evaluate, and document institutional adherence to LCME standards across all domains, including governance, curriculum, student affairs, faculty, and educational resources. It provides oversight and guidance to ensure that policies, procedures, and educational practices align with LCME expectations, promotes a culture of ongoing quality improvement, and supports the preparation of accreditation materials such as the Data Collection Instrument (DCI) and self-study report. Ultimately, the committee functions as a bridge between institutional leadership and accreditation requirements, ensuring the medical school remains responsive, transparent, and proactive in meeting LCME standards.
Meeting Frequency: Quarterly or more frequently as needed during accreditation season.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Medical Education & Curriculum Committee
Chair: James Willig, M.D., M.S.P.H., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, Professor of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases
Charge: The Medical Education & Curriculum Committee (MECC) is responsible for the medical education program, overseeing the overall design, management, integration, evaluation, and enhancement of a coherent and coordinated medical curriculum. The MECC must make final approval of any curriculum changes involving students receiving the MD degree.
Objective: The MECC makes faculty-driven decisions concerning the content of the UT Southwestern Medical School curriculum and the methodology used to teach that curriculum without external influences or conflicts of interest. The MECC sets committee policies, approves all additions and modifications of the UT Southwestern Medical School curriculum, approves new subcommittee development, sets Medical School educational program goals and objectives, and reviews the curriculum recommendations and reports from each of the MECC subcommittees to ensure the MECC meets its goals and objectives.
- To review and discuss reports of the standing curriculum committees.
- To approve changes in the Medical School Curriculum and ensure integration of the curriculum over the 4 years of Medical School.
- To continuously monitor the quality of medical school courses and associated activities, (e.g., active learning, laboratories, simulation activities, etc.) to ensure that courses/clerkships have appropriate goals and objectives that are met by the curriculum and promote excellent student outcomes.
- To strategically plan for curricular reform to meet the evolving needs of students and to implement necessary changes in the curriculum.
- To make recommendations to the Dean for changes in curriculum and for resources required to support the curriculum as appropriate.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Medical Education & Curriculum Committee. The MECC consists of both appointed and elected faculty. The Dean appoints members of the MECC annually. The faculty elects two (2) faculty members every three years to serve on the MECC. The Dean accepts nominations for the elected positions from the Southwestern Academy of Teachers, Department Chairs, or self-nomination, and conducts the election every three years. The Dean and MECC Chair appoint the following individuals to serve as members of the MECC: (1) chairs of subcommittees; (2) selected directors of required pre-clerkship, clerkship, and post-clerkship courses as well as some elective course directors; (3) two student representatives from each class; (4) an Office of Medical Education (OME) staff representative; (5) two elected members; and (6) ex officio members including, but not limited to, Assistant and Associate Deans for Colleges, Student Research, Admissions, Academic Colleges, Student Affairs and OME if not members by other roles. Student Affairs and OME if not members by other roles.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements outlined in FAC-205.
Term Limits: Dean-appointed members of the MECC have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint Dean-appointed members from academic year to academic year at their discretion. Elected members serve a three (3) year term.
Member Responsibilities:
Standing committees will monitor the content provided by each course to ensure that the management committees will:
- Prepare summary reports for presentation to the Medical Executive Curriculum Committee including identification of problems and recommendations for changes
- Review new elective course descriptions and recommend new courses or significant changes in course content to the Medical Executive Curriculum Committee
- Make recommendations to the Medical Executive Curriculum Committee for additions and modifications to the medical school curriculum
- Approve phase reviews, strategic goals and reviews
- Review that School educational program objectives for education of a physician are achieved
- Appropriateness and achievement of educational objectives (medical school, course and clerkship);
- Each member of the committee will participate in review of courses to include (but not be limited to) the following data:
- Student evaluations of courses or clerkships and of responsible faculty members;
- Student performance (internal examinations, NBME Subject and Comprehensive Examinations);
- USMLE examination performance
- GQ and internal survey results;
- Course content review for omissions and unnecessary duplication, to ensure horizontal and vertical integration of all curricular experiences (e.g., coursework, active learning, laboratories, simulation activities, etc.),
- Determine if instructional methodology is appropriate for achieving goals and objectives;
- Review Student-initiated topics;
- The Sub-committee Chairs will:
- Prepare summary reports for presentation to the Medical Executive Curriculum Committee including identification of problems and recommendations for changes
- Review new elective course descriptions and recommend new courses or significant changes in course content to the Medical Executive Curriculum Committee
- Make recommendations to the Medical Executive Curriculum Committee for additions and modifications to the medical school curriculum
Meeting Frequency: 4th Monday of every month at 4:00 pm (Zoom)
References:
FAC-205 UT Southwestern Medical School Medical Education & Curriculum Committee
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Student Awards Committee
Chair: Blake Barker, M.D., Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Professor of Internal Medicine
Charge: To recommend to the Dean of the Medical School the senior graduating medical student whom the Committee determines most deserves to receive the Ho Din award. The award which was created in 1943 by the Southwestern Medical Foundation is the highest award granted to a medical student who exemplifies “the unique personal qualities embodied in all great physicians – knowledge, understanding, and, most of all, compassion”. The Dean then forwards a recommendation to the Southwestern Medical Foundation who makes final approval and bestows the award.
Objective: The Committee reviews all nominations for the Ho Din Award and makes a recommendation to the Dean to submit to the Southwestern Medical Foundation.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Student Awards Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Members of the Student Assistance Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from academic year to academic year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: Each winter, the Chair sends a written request with an approximate one-month lead time to all stakeholders who have formal involvement with the medical student curriculum, including clinical department chairs, medical school course directors, and the Academic Colleges. Each stakeholder may submit up to three nominations (listed in rank order) of students they wish to submit along with a brief narrative in support of the nomination(s). The Chair collates each nominee’s CV, academic performance, and Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). Each Committee member reviews 8-12 nominees and provides a score based on standardized rubric. Each nominee is reviewed by 2-4 Committee members depending on nominee volume. At the annual Committee meeting, the Committee focuses discussion on the top 5-8 nominees based on average Committee member ratings. After discussion, the entire committee selects the student recommended for the awards based on these reviews.
All committee members are expected to attend the spring selection meeting
Meeting Frequency: There is one scheduled meeting per year for the student award selection. Ad hoc meetings may occur, if required.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School - Student Promotions Committee
Chair: Kevin Klein, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology & Pain Management and Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Charge: To ensure that all medical students who are recommended to the Dean for promotion to the next level and ultimately for the M.D. degree, have successfully completed the curricular requirements and have achieved the required competencies both academic and professional to progress to post-graduate residency training.
Objective: The Student Promotions Committee (SPC) has the primary responsibility of ensuring that all UT Southwestern Medical School medical students recommended to the Dean to receive the M.D. degree successfully complete the curricular requirements and achieve the required competencies to progress to post-graduate residency training. In furtherance of this ultimate responsibility, the SPC reviews all UT Southwestern Medical School medical students who exhibit academic deficiencies or unprofessional conduct throughout the academic year to recommend an appropriate course of action to the Dean.
Nomination and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Student Promotions Committee and selects the appointed faculty members of the SPC. The Dean accepts nominations for elected faculty members of the SPC from the Southwestern Academy of Teachers, Department Chairs, or self-nomination. The Dean conducts the election and appoints the top two faculty as elected SPC members. The Dean also appoints the Associate Deans of Student Affairs, the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education, the Dean of Medical Student Admissions, and the Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to serve as ex officio members of the SPC.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Dean-appointed members of the SPC have no term limits and the Dean may reappoint members each academic year at the Dean’s discretion. Elected SPC members have a 3-year term limit, which can be extended or changed to permanent membership at the discretion of the Dean.
Member Responsibilities: Members are responsible for reviewing provided documentation in advance of the meetings, carefully, and objectively assessing all aspects related to a student case and making a fair and impartial decision that ensure that UT Southwestern can be assured that its graduates have achieved the required competencies to be awarded the M.D. degree. Ex officio members are non-voting.
Meeting Frequency: Meetings are held monthly on the first Wednesday of each month, unless a meeting is deemed unnecessary or there is a student appeal. In such cases, meetings may be canceled or scheduled outside of the regular timeline.
References:
EDU-402 Academic Decisions – UT Southwestern Medical School
FAC-206 UT Southwestern Medical School Student Promotions Committee
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
Medical School Award Program Committees
- Dedman Scholars Program Committee
Chair: David Johnson, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine
Charge: To evaluate nominees for the Dedman Scholars Award.
Objective: To identify best candidates for receipt of a Dedman Scholars Award.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Dedman Scholars Program Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Dean-appointed members of the Dedman Scholars Program Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: Committee members will review all scholars’ proposals and mentorship plans, score the proposals using NIH scoring guide and rank applicants based on the merits of their proposals and mentorship plans.
Meeting Frequency: The committee meets on an as-needed basis, convening to review applications as they are received.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Disease-Oriented and Clinical Scholars Program Committee
Chair: Helen H. Hobbs, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics
Charge: To participate in the selection of the recipients of the DOCS Awards and oversee the academic progress of the DOCS.
Objective: The goal of the Disease-Oriented Clinical Scholars (DOCS) Program is to support research excellence in clinical departments at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Candidates are nominated by Chairs of Clinical Departments
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Disease-Oriented and Clinical Scholars Program Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Dean-appointed members of the Disease-Oriented and Clinical Scholars Program Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: The DOCS Program Committee is responsible for the comprehensive review of all DOCS Award applications. Committee members are expected to provide detailed and objective feedback during the evaluation process. In addition, they are required to actively participate in deliberations to determine both the eligibility of applicants for funding and the appropriate level of financial support to be awarded.
Meeting Frequency: The committee meets on an as-needed basis, convening to review applications as they are received.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Endowed Scholars Committee
Chair: Joshua Mendell, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Biology
Charge: To select first-time, tenure-track assistant professors for Endowed Scholars recruitment awards.
Objective: To select first-time, tenure-track assistant professors for Endowed Scholars recruitment awards. The committee helps to recruit biomedical scientists at the assistant professor level and to guide and develop them as future leaders in all areas of medical science.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The President of UT Southwestern Medical Center selects the Chair of the Endowed Scholars Committee following recommendation from the UT Southwestern Medical School Dean. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: Members must be tenured full professors.
Term Limits: Dean-appointed members of the Endowed Scholars Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: To select first-time, tenure-track assistant professors for Endowed Scholars recruitment awards.
Meeting Frequency: The committee meets on an as-needed basis, convening to review applications as they are received.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Medical School Scholarship Committee
Chair: Blake Barker, M.D., Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Professor of Internal Medicine
Charge: The Medical School Scholarship Committee is charged by the Dean of the Medical School with awarding merit-based scholarships to the most qualified applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, personal qualities, connection to UT Southwestern's mission, and potential for leadership and advancement of patient care and science.
Objective: This committee allocates recruitment and non-recruitment scholarships to deserving students based on established criteria.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Medical School Scholarship Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, the Faculty Advisory Board, and Senior Associate and Associate Deans with expertise in the field of committee responsibility.
Minimum Rank Requirements: No minimum rank requirements.
Term Limits: Dean-appointed members of the Medical School Scholarship Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: Recruitment scholarships are awarded based on the Admissions Committee’s final ratings. The threshold for Medical School Scholarship Committee review is set by the Chair, using prior years’ data and available funding. Each eligible applicants file is assigned to a committee member, who evaluates it using a rubric. The Committee then discusses all candidates and votes on final scholarship decisions. The Committee also oversees donor-specific, non-recruitment scholarships, which are reviewed by a designated subcommittee. Finally, the Committee reviews appeals from students at risk of losing scholarship funding under the scholarship eligibility policy.
Meeting Frequency: The committee meets 8 times per year based on the volume of applicants to review.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School
- Texas Health Resource (THR) Clinical Scholars Program Selection Committee
Chair: Eric Peterson, M.D. Vice Provost and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research, Vice President for Health System Research, and Professor of Internal Medicine
Charge: To review applications for the THR Clinical Scholars Program selection process.
Objective: To identify high quality and promising clinical scholars for the program.
Nominations and Appointment Process: The UT Southwestern Medical School Dean selects the Chair of the Texas Health Resource (THR) Clinical Scholars Program Selection Committee. The Dean solicits recommendations for standing committee membership from the committee chair, Departmental and Center Chairs, and from the Vice Provost and Provost. Committee members should have clinical research expertise and accomplishments and should be broadly representative of the many clinical research disciplines.
Minimum Rank Requirements: Associate Professor.
Term Limits: Dean-appointed members of the Texas Health Resource Clinical Scholars Program Selection Committee have no term limits, so the Dean may reappoint members from fiscal year to fiscal year at their discretion.
Member Responsibilities: Review applications for the THR scholarship.
Meeting Frequency: The committee meets on an as-needed basis, convening to review applications as they are received.
References:
ORG-252 Dean’s Standing Committees – UT Southwestern Medical School