Strengthening the BU-BMC Health System Partnership: Next Steps
Dear Colleagues,
We are writing to share an important update about the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and to reaffirm our shared commitment to the future of the Boston University Medical Campus and its vital partnership with the Boston Medical Center Health System (BMC Health System).
Our ongoing search for the next dean of the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has provided us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the scope of the role and qualities needed in a leader who can advance the University’s academic and research missions in close collaboration with the BMC Health System.
With greater collaboration, our institutions can conduct research, which ranges from the cellular to the societal, with the potential to impact the health of our community and beyond. To that end, we are evolving the role of the dean. The next dean of the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine will be charged with strengthening the connection between the University and the BMC Health System, building greater cohesion to support a high-performing biomedical research enterprise that drives discovery, improves health outcomes, and prepares the next generation of leaders.
The dean will work closely with the leaders of the clinical and basic science departments as well as other leaders across the Medical Campus. The dean will also be an essential partner for the deans of the other Boston University schools and colleges in facilitating collaboration in research and training with the medical system. Our goal is for the University and hospital to work collaboratively to identify and invest in strategic research priorities, train the next generation, refine leadership recruitment efforts, and build the infrastructure necessary to support an integrated, high-performing academic health system.
We recognize that there is opportunity for better alignment between the University and the BMC Health System, and our leadership group is energized to share a united vision about the path forward. The challenges and opportunities before us demand bold leadership, and we are committed to recruiting a dean who will have our full support and work collaboratively with you to position the University and the BMC Health System partnership as a national model for academic health systems.
With gratitude for your continued dedication,
Melissa Gilliam
President, Boston University
Alastair Bell
President & CEO, BMC Health System
Anthony Hollenberg
President, BMC & System Chief Physician Executive
Gloria Waters
Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Boston University
*9/29/25 This message was sent to faculty and staff at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.