School Notes: School of Medicine
September/October 2017

Three new deputy deans appointed

The School of Medicine has announced the appointment of Linda K. Bockenstedt, MD, as deputy dean for faculty affairs; Brian R. Smith, MD, as deputy dean for scientific affairs (clinical departments); and Michael C. Crair as deputy dean for scientific affairs (basic science departments). The late Carolyn W. Slayman was the school’s first deputy dean for academic and scientific affairs, serving for 21 years. Her responsibilities have been divided among three deputy deans, due to the tremendous growth of clinical and basic science faculty and the increasing complexity of almost every aspect of academic medicine and research. Bockenstedt is the Harold W. Jockers Professor of Medicine (rheumatology) and associate dean for faculty development. Smith is chair and professor of laboratory medicine. He is also professor of biomedical engineering, of medicine (hematology), and of pediatrics. Crair is the William Ziegler III Professor of Neuroscience and professor of ophthalmology and visual science.

A century of women in Yale medicine

The medical school admitted its first female students in 1916, just over one century after its founding. During reunion weekend, Susan Baserga ’88MD, ’88PhD, professor of molecular biophysics and biochemistry, of genetics, and of therapeutic radiology, gave a lecture on the history of women at the School of Medicine. Baserga focused on Louise Farnam, who held a PhD in physiological chemistry from Yale, and who was one of the first three women admitted to the school in 1916. Women now comprise about 50 percent of enrolled students, 24 percent of professors, and three department chairs at the medical school.