Mark Paller Will Serve as Executive Vice Dean of U of M Medical School

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (May 27, 2009) – Mark Paller, M.D., M.S., physician and leader in the University of Minnesota’s research efforts, will serve in the role of executive vice dean for the University of Minnesota Medical School beginning July 1, 2009.

During his 27 years with the University of Minnesota, Paller has a history of leadership within the Medical School and Academic Health Center. He has provided vision and developed programs to encourage faculty and associate deans to expand research productivity and portfolios throughout the health sciences in his role as the AHC’s assistant vice president for research, a position he has held since 1999.

The selection of an executive vice dean is part of an overall restructuring effort within the AHC and Medical School. Pending Board of Regents approval, Frank Cerra, M.D., senior vice president for health sciences for the Academic Health Center, will take on the additional role of dean of the Medical School on July 1, 2009. As dean, Cerra will handle long term strategic direction, foster strong external relationships with clinical partners, and promote financial stability. As executive vice dean, Paller will focus on the critical day-to-day operations of the Medical School, working with Cerra to implement the school’s strategic plan.

“I have worked closely with Mark through the past decade and greatly value his ability to develop simple, focused solutions to complex problems. Throughout our tenure together at the University, Mark and I frequently have had spirited discussions and debates about direction, decisions, or process,” Cerra said. “I have always respected his keen insight and dedication to supporting the core missions of the Medical School and University. I can’t imagine anyone more qualified to serve the Medical School at this time in its history.”

Gordon Alexander, M.D., president of University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, supports Paller’s selection as executive vice dean as the transition within the Medical School and Academic Health Center moves forward in July.

“He will be a solid partner as we continue our work to further our relationship with the University,” Alexander said.

Paller’s leadership experience includes serving as the University lead on the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, a collaboration between the state of Minnesota, the University, and Mayo Clinic. Paller has directed the peer review process for distributing approximately $60 million in the past five years to nearly 30 shared research projects through the partnership.

“Sharing leadership duties with Mark Paller as part of the Minnesota Partnership collaboration has been a stimulating and rewarding process,” said Eric Wieben, Ph.D., the partnership program director at Mayo Clinic. “His vision, knowledge, and drive will serve him well in his new post.”

Paller retains his clinical role as a practicing nephrologist who holds board certification in internal medicine and nephrology. As a professor of medicine in the division of renal diseases and hypertension, he regularly lectures to medical students, residents, and fellows.

In addition, Paller provides leadership for the Academic Health Center’s Academy for Excellence in Health Research, the highest recognition in AHC research that has contributed to the prominence of leading-edge research in the health sciences.

Paller earned his M.D. from Northwestern University and completed his residency in internal medicine at Case Western Reserve University and his clinical and research fellowship in nephrology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He also received his master’s degree in administrative medicine from the University of Wisconsin in 1997.

Dedicated to excellence, diversity, and service, the University of Minnesota Medical School educates the next generation of physicians, advances patient care, and discovers breakthroughs in biomedical research that enhance health in Minnesota and beyond. Its commitment to transform medical education, Rural Physician Associate Program, and success in training Native American physicians are well-known. More than 1,500 Medical School physicians and scientists provide world-class care and carry out nearly $200 million in research, which informs the treatments and care that patients receive. For more information, go to www.med.umn.edu.

The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota’s six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.

Contact:
Sara Martin, Academic Health Center, (612) 626-7037, buss@umn.edu
Laura Stroup, Academic Health Center, (612) 624-5680, stro0481@umn.edu