Dr. Robert Churchill Appointed New MU School of Medicine Dean
Hal Williamson, MD, vice chancellor for the University of Missouri Health System, issued the following statement Oct. 26, 2009.
It is my distinct pleasure to announce the appointment of Robert Churchill, MD, as the new Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean of the MU School of Medicine. Dr. Churchill has been serving in an interim capacity since October 2008. His tenure with the medical school spans 22 years and includes a number of leadership roles, including chair and Gwilym S. and Maria Antonia Lodwick Distinguished Professor for the Department of Radiology and interim dean, vice chancellor and chief executive officer for the health system from 1998 to 2000.
In each position he has held, Dr. Churchill brings creative leadership and a commitment to excellence. As chair of radiology, he recruited a full complement of highly regarded radiologists, conducted a successful training program and directed an internationally distinguished research program that includes nano and molecular medicine. As the medical school’s leader, Dr. Churchill oversees approximately 650 faculty members, 1,500 staff members and 1,000 medical students, residents, fellows and other learners completing advanced degrees. He also is responsible for University Physicians, the practice plan for the medical school's faculty physicians, and is the school's liaison with its 7,300 physician alumni.
Before joining MU in 1987, Bob was vice chair of radiology at Loyola University, where he completed medical school, residency and fellowship training. He also completed a fellowship at General Electric and served the company as an adviser.
In our new organizational structure at the health system, Dr. Churchill has been a thoughtful, steady, and participative partner for me, MU Health Care CEO Jim Ross, and Deans Judith Miller of the Sinclair School of Nursing and Richard Oliver of the School of Health Professions. Bob’s participation has allowed us to gain traction in many important areas.
When it comes to our medical school, Bob is both passionate and practical, at once aggressive and visionary, and as tender as he is tough. He is in every respect the right leader at the right time for our institution. Please join me in extending your support and congratulating him on his permanent position as the new dean of our medical school.
Harold A. Williamson Jr., MD
Vice Chancellor
University of Missouri Health System
