“Dr. Halperin has been instrumental in moving our School of Medicine to a different level in terms of our missions of education, research and clinical care,” said Dr. James R. Ramsey, president of the University of Louisville. “He has raised the standards we now hold ourselves to in terms of the students we accept and graduate from the School of Medicine, as well as the faculty we recruit. We have a foundation of department chairs and faculty from which we are ready to rise to the next plane in our mandate to become a premiere metropolitan research university.”
Since arriving in November 2006, Halperin has led a transformation for the School of Medicine. In addition to recruiting nine department chairs, the growth and reputational recognition of the School of Medicine over the past six years is evident by the following:
- Application for admissions rising 67 percent
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Average MCAT score for new students consistently rising
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Research funding in the School of Medicine increasing 28.3 percent to $111.4 million
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First-ever ranking by U.S. News & World Report as a Research University
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Creation of three new dual degree programs
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Establishment of a post-baccalaureate program
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Creation of medical degree with distinction in research
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Initiation of a pilot three-year program for receiving a medical degree in three years
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Transformation of the medical school curriculum to include the medical humanities program.
“Edward’s impact on the UofL School of Medicine will be felt long after he becomes successful at New York Medical College,” said Shirley Willihnganz, Ph.D., provost at UofL. “His passion for all things that an academic school represents are a model for all of us. His commitment to ensuring our students, faculty and staff understand the great privilege we have to help shape the minds of young people, while serving all who come to us for care or education and training, will be a lasting legacy.”
“The University of Louisville School of Medicine has both an estimable 175 year history and an exciting future ahead,” Halperin said. “Medical schools were created for the generation, conservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the causes, prevention and treatment of human disease and disability and are best judged by their commitment to the most vulnerable of society: the poor, the marginalized, the very young, and the very old. This medical school has met the test while on a constant upward trajectory. It was an honor to be part of the vital work of this School and this ‘people’s’ university.”
“One of the reasons I came to Louisville last year was the progress the Health Sciences Center has made in recent years, particularly the School of Medicine,” said David L. Dunn, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president for health affairs. “Our potential is limitless at this point and the credit for much of that goes to Edward and the leadership he has provided the past six years.”
In the coming weeks UofL will name an interim dean and commence a national search.
