News and Events
UTGSM Announced New Interim Dean
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine (GSM) would like to thank Dr. Paul Hauptman for all his contributions as Dean of the GSM over the past four years. Under his direction, the GSM launched new programs (e.g. Women in Science, the Academic Leadership Academy, and the Advancing Access to Careers in Medicine Scholars Program), developed the GSM's Strategic Plan for Research 2021-25, and added numerous residencies, fellowships, and rotations for medical students. The GSM wishes Dr. Hauptman all the best as he will become the Dean at the University of Nevada-Reno School of Medicine and Chief Academic Officer of Renown Health this Fall.
With the departure of Dr. Hauptman, Robert M. Craft, MD has been selected to serve as the fifth Dean (interim) of the GSM beginning on October 3, 2022. He will also serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC). Dr. Craft completed his residency at UTMC in 1993 and joined the GSM Department of Anesthesiology in 1994 as an assistant professor following a fellowship in Neuroanesthesia at the Mayo Clinic. In his roles at UTMC has been an anesthesiologist, clinical researcher, medical educator, and physician leader for the GSM. He has held the position of Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology since 2015. His department has experienced significant educational and clinical growth during his tenure.
“We are delighted that Dr. Craft has agreed to serve as the interim Dean of the GSM. In this role, we are confident that he will continue to promote educational, scientific, and clinical excellence while expanding and strengthening the relationship between UTHSC and UTMC,” said Dr. Scott Strome, Executive Dean and Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center College of Medicine.
As Interim Dean, Dr Craft plans to continue collaborations between the UTMC campus and the UT system, broaden medical education, and increase the academic presence at UTMC. Dr. Craft stated, “My previous leadership roles have involved finding alignment while creating collaboration and consensus, and I plan to leverage that experience in this new role to maintain the GSM’s forward momentum.”
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine would like to congratulate Dr. Craft on his new role as Interim Dean.
Robert M. Craft, MD
Posted: September 21, 2022