Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education

Rocky Vista University (RVU), one of the premier osteopathic medicine and health science universities in the nation, invites applications and nominations for its next Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) seeks a visionary academic leader to serve as Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Education and Graduate Medical Education. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the clinical education experience for over 700 third- and fourth-year medical students across RVU s Colorado and Utah campuses. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Senior Associate Dean will oversee the full spectrum of clinical education, including curriculum development, assessment, simulation integration, and clinical site management. The role also includes strategic leadership in graduate medical education, working closely with hospitals and sponsoring institutions to expand and enhance residency opportunities for RVU graduates.

This is a transformative moment for RVU, as the institution responds to a competitive clinical education landscape and prepares for future growth. The incoming Senior Associate Dean will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by enhancing student outcomes, fostering innovation, and ensuring RVU remains a leader in osteopathic medical education. With a competitive compensation package, hybrid work flexibility, and the option to be based in either Colorado or Utah, this role offers both professional challenge and personal fulfillment for a dynamic and mission-driven leader.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of osteopathic medical education, demonstrated leadership in academic medicine, and a strong track record of innovation in clinical training. Experience with COCA accreditation is essential, as is the ability to lead a diverse team of assistant deans, clerkship directors, and faculty. This leader will be charged with elevating the quality and consistency of clinical rotations, strengthening student advising and residency placement, and advancing simulation-based learning. A collaborative spirit, strong communication skills, and the ability to build relationships with hospital executives and clinical partners are critical for success in this role.

Qualifications:
Applicants must hold an MD or DO (preferred) from a COCA or LCME-accredited medical school and be board certified in their specialty through the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Other qualifications are as follows:

• A distinguished academic background that includes a history of achievement in education, scholarship, service, and administration with an emphasis on administrative experience in higher education in academic health centers. Scholarship should be sufficient to qualify for appointment at the academic rank of Professor.
• An excellent communicator who encourages constructive debate from all aspects of the school, including students, faculty and staff.
• Identifies desired outcomes and measuring the progress toward those outcomes - utilizing rigorous metrics to assess outcomes of current programs and of any implemented curricular reforms. Understands the nuances of administration of medical education.
• Demonstrates commitment to the teaching mission through didactic activity, participation in curriculum oversight and planning, or developing innovative approaches to education and training.

The Academic Medicine Practice of Korn Ferry is assisting with this important search. To ensure full consideration and to apply, applicants should submit the following two documents (in 2 separate PDFs) to Amber Gornik at

1. An up-to-date curriculum vitae
2. A letter of interest (2-3 pages) addressed to Members of the Search Committee that describes:

• Your interest in the role of Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Graduate Medical Education at Rocky Vista University
• Why you believe you would be successful in the Senior Associate Dean role based on your professional and/or lived experience

To Inquire or Nominate a Colleague for the Senior Associate Dean Position:
Submit your inquiry and/or nomination electronically in confidence to Amber Gornik at