Director for WR2 MD Program Renewal

Case Western Reserve University•Cleveland, OH

10d•Onsite

About The Position

This position reports directly to the Vice Dean for Medical Education and serves as the primary coordinator for a comprehensive medical education program renewal initiative within the WR2 University Program. The Director for WR2 MD Program Renewal will lead the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of program transformation, with particular emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence into the curriculum, creating robust early longitudinal clinical experiences, expanding innovative pedagogical approaches that promote engaged and reflective learning, supporting competency-based medical education, consideration of an accelerated educational track, and ensuring seamless coordination across all phases of medical education. This role requires change leadership expertise, including exceptional organizational and management skills, with a strong ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. The Director will work collaboratively with the Associate Dean for Curriculum, the Associate Dean for Accreditation, CQI, and Educational Analytics, the Associate Dean for Program Innovation and Educational Enhancements, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Assistant Deans for Basic Science, Longitudinal Clinical Education, and Clinical/Clerkship Education, the Executive Director of Curricular Affairs, and faculty leadership across departments to ensure successful MD program renewal that maintains LCME accreditation standards while advancing educational innovation. As a key member of the medical education leadership team, this position will support the School of Medicine's Strategic Plan and work closely with the Vice Dean for Medical Education to maximize resource utilization and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.

Requirements

PhD, MD, EdD, or equivalent terminal degree
Eligibility for faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level or higher at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Minimum of five years of experience in medical education with demonstrated progressive leadership responsibility
Significant experience with curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation in medical education
Proven track record of successfully leading complex change initiatives or major projects
Strong understanding of LCME accreditation standards and requirements
Advanced change leadership capabilities with demonstrated success in leading large-scale organizational transformation initiatives
Expert project management skills including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, develop realistic timelines, and ensure accountability
Strategic thinking and planning abilities to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop comprehensive implementation strategies
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences and tailor messages appropriately
Consensus-building expertise with proven ability to navigate competing priorities and build agreement among stakeholders with varied perspectives
High degree of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to build trust, manage conflict, and motivate others
Data-driven decision-making with ability to collect, analyze, and use data to inform curriculum renewal strategies
Deep knowledge of medical education including curriculum design principles, pedagogical methods, assessment strategies, and accreditation standards
Understanding of educational innovation including emerging technologies, AI applications in education, and evidence-based teaching practices
Flexibility and adaptability with willingness to adjust plans based on feedback and changing circumstances
Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries and build strong partnerships

Nice To Haves

Experience with curriculum renewal or transformation initiatives in medical education
Familiarity with competency-based medical education and entrustable professional activities (EPAs)
Knowledge of artificial intelligence applications in medical education
Experience with integrated curriculum models
Scholarship in medical education as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary project leader for all program renewal activities, developing comprehensive implementation timelines, milestones, and accountability structures
Coordinate program renewal working groups and task forces, ensuring representation from all relevant stakeholders including faculty, students, clinical partners, and administrative leadership
Facilitate regular communication about program renewal progress to all stakeholders through multiple channels, including participation in relevant curricular committees
Lead the integration of artificial intelligence tools and technologies into the curriculum, working with faculty to identify appropriate applications and implementation strategies
Champion discovery-based pedagogy, active learning, team-based learning, reflective practice, and the appropriate use of simulation and technology-enhanced education to optimize student learning
Build and maintain strong relationships with teaching faculty across the four-year curriculum and mentor individual faculty leaders to build consensus and ensure support for curriculum changes
Facilitate town halls, focus groups, and feedback sessions with students, faculty, and staff to gather input, address concerns, and share updates
Create communication materials and presentations to articulate the vision, rationale, and benefits of program renewal
Identify faculty development needs related to program renewal and coordinate with the Vice Dean for Medical Education to design and deliver appropriate training programs
Support faculty in adapting teaching methods and content to align with renewed curriculum goals; Recognize and celebrate faculty contributions to program renewal efforts
Work with the Associate Dean for Curriculum and Assistant Deans to redesign curricular structure, sequencing, and integration across all phases of medical education; Ensure horizontal and vertical integration of content, eliminating redundancies and identifying gaps
Coordinate the development of new courses, blocks, or modules as required by the renewed curriculum while aligning the curriculum with a competency framework and ensure mapping to program objectives
Collaborate with the Office of Student Assessment to design assessment strategies that align with renewed curriculum goals; Ensure that assessment methods support student learning and provide meaningful feedback
Ensure all program renewal activities maintain compliance with LCME accreditation standards: Coordinate with the Associate Dean for Curriculum and the Associate Dean for Accreditation on documentation and reporting details of updated curriculum
Support communication strategy with LCME related to curriculum changes
Work closely with all stakeholders, including the Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs at the Lerner College Program to ensure alignment of curriculum renewal
Partner with the Executive Director of Curricular Affairs on operational and logistical aspects of curriculum implementation
Document efforts to coordinate with the Lerner College Program to ensure alignment and comparability between the two curricular programs
Build relationships with clinical education sites to support implementation of program renewal in clinical settings; Engage with community partners, patients, and other stakeholders as appropriate to support program renewal goals
Represent the School of Medicine at regional and national meetings related to curriculum innovation; Seek opportunities for collaboration and shared learning with other medical schools undertaking curriculum renewal
Identify opportunities for external funding to support program renewal activities
Explore cost-effective strategies for implementing curriculum changes
Ensure efficient use of faculty time, physical space, and educational technologies
Maintain comprehensive documentation of program renewal processes, decisions, and outcomes
Prepare regular progress reports for the Associate Dean for Curriculum and Vice Dean for Medical Education; Contribute to annual curriculum reports and accreditation documentation