Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Community Engagement, School of Podiatric Medicine

Summary

The Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Community Engagement provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational management of all clinical programs within the School of Podiatric Medicine. This role ensures excellence in clinical education, supervises clinical faculty, maintains accreditation compliance for clinical training, and develops robust community partnerships to enhance student learning, outreach, and service opportunities. The position also leads initiatives that expand the school’s regional presence, strengthen external affiliations, and advance community engagement as an integral part of the podiatric medical curriculum.

Working Relationships:

• Reports directly to the Dean.

• Works collaboratively with the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, clinical faculty, staff, and external community partners.

• Represents the school to hospitals, clinics, professional organizations, and community groups.

This position is In-Person

Essential Functions

Clinical Functions – Clinical Education Oversight

• Plan, coordinate, facilitate, monitor, and assess the clinical education component of the curriculum in alignment with institutional and accreditation requirements.

• Develop and implement clinical curriculum components to ensure high-quality, contemporary training across various clinical settings.

• Collaborate with clinical faculty to assess and enhance the effectiveness of clinical education programs, including clinical clerkships and rotations.

• Maintain continuous communication with clinical education faculty, clinical sites, and preceptors to ensure consistency, quality, and support for student learning.

• Ensure compliance with all accreditation standards related to clinical training for students, faculty, and preceptors.

• Provide oversight of faculty and preceptors involved in clinical rotations and ensure operational coordination across all clinical education settings.

Community Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, clinics, hospitals, and community organizations to create robust educational and service-learning opportunities.

• Coordinate outreach programs that address community health needs and promote wellness initiatives.

• Serve as a liaison between the school and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and promote the school’s mission

Student Engagement

• Facilitate student involvement in community service activities, outreach efforts, and clinical rotations to ensure a well-rounded and meaningful educational experience.

• Maintain ongoing communication with students regarding clinical training expectations, placement coordination, and performance feedback.

• Support, mentor, and guide students in their clinical development by offering resources, advice, and individualized support as needed.

Program Development

• Identify opportunities to establish new clinical programs and initiatives that advance the school’s mission and address emerging community health challenges.

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to secure funding and resources required for community engagement projects and clinical program expansion.

• Innovate and expand clinical and community-based programs that enhance student learning, improve patient care, and strengthen institutional visibility.

Research and Evaluation

• Encourage and support research initiatives focused on community health issues, clinical practice improvement, and educational outcomes.

• Collect, analyze, and evaluate data to measure the impact of community engagement initiatives and clinical programs.

• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders summarizing program effectiveness, student outcomes, community impact, and recommendations for improvement.

Leadership and Administration

• Serve on committees and actively contribute to decision-making processes related to clinical affairs, curriculum development, accreditation, and community engagement.

• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on clinical education activities, student performance, partnerships, and community initiatives for the Dean, administrative leadership, and accrediting bodies.

• Provide administrative oversight to ensure the operational efficiency, strategic alignment, and continuous improvement of clinical and community engagement programs.

• Ensure consistent communication with faculty, staff, community partners, and students to support program integrity and responsiveness.

Faculty Role and Collaboration

• Works closely with faculty members to enhance instructional strategies and integrate student feedback into the academic experience.

• Is a member of the faculty and engages in teaching courses in the school and practices medicine in the clinics.

• Represents the School of Podiatric Medicine and the Dean at internal and external meetings, professional organizations, university committees, and community functions.

• Participates in University committees and councils as recommended by the Dean.

• Collaborates with the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs to support student success in clinical phases.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Podiatric Medicine (DPM).

• Board certification in Podiatric Medicine and/or Podiatric Surgery, preferred.

• Academic rank of Assistant Professor (minimum) and currently progressing toward promotion to Associate Professor; Associate Professor or higher preferred.

• Minimum of five years of experience in academic administration, clinical education, community health, or related areas.  

• Extensive clinical experience and understanding of podiatric medical education.

• Demonstrated understanding of contemporary podiatric medical practice, quality clinical education, the clinical community, and the healthcare delivery system.

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders including faculty, students, healthcare organizations, and community partners.

• Strong understanding of CPME accreditation standards.

• Commitment to student success, patient care quality, and community service.

Preferred

• Prior leadership experience in a medical or health professional school related to clinical education or community engagement.

• Familiarity with current trends and challenges in community health, clinical training, and healthcare delivery systems.

• Proven track record of developing successful clinical programs and community partnerships.

• Scholarly activity or research in medical education, clinical practice improvement, community health, or related areas.

Barry University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.