James Linder, M.D., has been named interim dean of the University
of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine. The appointment, effective
Dec. 1, was announced today by Harold M. Maurer, M.D., who has served as
dean the past five years and who takes over as UNMC chancellor on Dec.
1. Dr. Linder’s appointment as interim dean is subject to approval of the
University of Nebraska Board of Regents at its Dec. 12 meeting.
Dr. Maurer said a search committee will be formed in the near
future to begin the process of identifying a permanent dean.
An Omaha native, Dr. Linder has served on the UNMC faculty since
1983 when he joined the Department of Pathology and Microbiology as assistant
professor. He was named associate professor in 1986 and professor in 1989.
For the past three years, he has served as associate dean for Academic
and Faculty Affairs — one of the 10 associate dean positions in the College
of Medicine.
“I’m extremely pleased that Dr. Linder has agreed to serve as
interim dean,” Dr. Maurer said. “He’s been an outstanding leader for the
College of Medicine during my five years as dean, and I have every confidence
that he will continue to move the college forward in his new position.
He’s a very bright individual who is well respected by the faculty for
his many skills as a pathologist, an educator, a researcher and an administrator.”
The selection of Dr. Linder as interim dean was applauded by Louis
W. Burgher, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Nebraska
Health System. “The position of dean in the College of Medicine is extremely
important in the overall structure and management of our organization.
Having worked closely with Dr. Linder since the merger of Clarkson Hospital
and University Hospital, I know first-hand what an excellent leader and
team builder he is. He will be a welcome colleague and receive strong support
from NHS.”
Dr. Linder, 44, earned his undergraduate degree from Iowa State
University in 1976 and his medical degree from UNMC in 1980. He did a two-year
residency in pathology at Duke University Medical Center and a one-year
pathology residency at UNMC.
Last month, he was elected to a one-year term as president of
the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the largest medical laboratory
organization in the world with more than 75,000 members. He has been a
member of the ASCP board of directors since 1994.
An outstanding researcher, Dr. Linder has published 120 articles
in scientific journals, co-authored four books, written 21 chapters in
books and serves on nine editorial boards. In addition, he has been invited
to make presentations at numerous national meetings and panel discussions.
Much of Dr. Linder’s recent research has focused on cytology automation,
the use of new technology to improve pap testing in women. He served as
chairman of the Food and Drug Administration Hematology and Pathology Devices
Panel from 1989 to 1994.
“I want to thank Chancellor-designate Maurer for the opportunity
to serve as interim dean,” Dr. Linder said. “With the recent success of
our educational activities, clinical services and innovative research,
the College of Medicine is poised to be a tremendous source of pride for
the community and the state.
“We must pursue activities that sustain our current momentum.
Examples include: strategic recruitment; the expanded use of information
technology to improve education, health care and research; the further
development of Centers of Excellence; affiliations with key clinical partners;
and developmental efforts that strengthen the skills of our faculty. I
look forward to working with the department chairs and faculty in these
activities.”
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the
state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than
$34 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists
annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for
training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other
institution.