Following a record level of faculty participation in the recent HMS Faculty Council election, the 2012-2013 council membership is in place (Click here to see PDF of full roster.), with the council now led by new Vice Chair Susan Block, professor of psychiatry and medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Block views the role of the Faculty Council as providing “the diverse perspectives of our faculty to the dean about key issues facing HMS.”
In the past academic year alone, the council discussed a range of topics, including faculty promotions, conflict of interest policy, departmental reviews and CME.
When asked how she initially became interested in participating in the council, Block cited her longstanding passion for medical education and her curiosity about the forces that create and change culture in academic institutions.
“Serving on the Faculty Council seemed like it would provide an opportunity to learn more about these issues and to contribute to the dialogue and decision-making process about key issues related to the future of HMS," she said.
In her new role as vice chair, Block would like to support and enhance the role of the council as a forum for discussion, debate and learning about the multiple perspectives that the diverse HMS faculty hold about key academic issues.
“I'd like us to think and talk more about whether and how HMS might play a larger role in the tremendous challenges our health care system is facing, and what structures and processes could facilitate this deeper engagement," she said.
