Robillard steps down as dean

Posted March 17, 2008

Jean E. Robillard, MD, University of Iowa vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Carver College of Medicine, is stepping down as dean to focus on his leadership responsibilities as vice president.

Robillard became dean in 2003 and assumed the additional responsibilities of vice president last year. As vice president, he has led a reorganization of UI Health Care to more closely integrate its component entities: UI Hospitals and Clinics, UI Physicians and the UI Carver College of Medicine.

"A major factor in my retaining both roles was to ensure the smooth and expeditious transition to a fully integrated academic enterprise," Robillard said. "With that effort now successfully underway, I believe the time is right to separate these two very demanding positions."

Robillard announced that an internal search for a new dean will begin immediately. The search committee will be chaired by Bruce Gantz, M.D., professor, department head and the Brian F. McCabe Distinguished Chair in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

Robillard said UI President Sally Mason and Interim Provost Lola Lopes agreed with his rationale for conducting an internal search for the new dean.

"Our organization has experienced tremendous change over the past 12 months, and the appointment of an established, trusted leader in the deanship will impart a much-needed level of organizational stability," Robillard said. "We are at a point in the integration of UI Health Care where it is critically important that we maintain momentum. Our physician leadership team is deep, and it is important to recognize and promote the talented people within the organization."

Robillard said he would like the new dean in place by July 1.