The University of Texas at Austin announced at a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 21, Dr. S. Claiborne “Clay” Johnston as the inaugural dean of the Dell Medical School.
Clarke Heidrick, a member of the Central Health Board of Managers who served on the search committee for the dean, said, “All of us at Central Health are delighted with the selection of Dr. Johnston as the inaugural dean. We see the new Dell Medical School, and the residency program that will operate in conjunction with it, as important to the provision of excellent and cost-effective care to the patients for whom we are responsible. Dr. Johnston is a very capable leader, who will lead in the training of new physicians who will want to be a part of our work, and in connecting the new medical school with the broader Central Texas community, including the physicians who are taking care of patients here right now. We look forward to working with Dr. Johnson in building a great partnership with the medical school that will benefit our community for generations to come.”
Central Health began a partnership with the University of Texas at Austin to support the creation of the Dell Medical School following the passage of Proposition 1 in the fall of 2012. As part of a major research university, the Dell Medical School will not only train medical professionals, but will have direct and tangible benefits to the residents of Travis County and Central Texas. It will serve as a community partner and catalyst for creating a leading edge, integrated healthcare system that will help build a healthier community. The medical school will train medical professionals to serve low-income communities by offering opportunities to train in community-based settings, promote multidisciplinary medical teams focused on health prevention, and provide data and technologies to achieve better health outcomes and reduce health disparities. Central Texans will see the benefits of the Dell Medical School every day at clinics and hospitals in the community, and will assist Central Health with its mission of creating access to health care for those who need it most.
Everyone at Central Health extends a warm congratulations and welcome to Dr. Johnston.
