Founding Dean – Southern California School of Medicine (SCSM) at InsideHigherEd

Founding Dean – Southern California School of Medicine (SCSM)Location: Los Angeles, CaliforniaInstitution Type: New, Independent Allopathic Medical School (Start-Up) Start Date:Part-time involvement beginning Q1 2026 (tentative; full-time start negotiable), transitioning to full-time, on-site executive leadership by mid-2027 (tentative), in preparation for LCME preliminary accreditation and student recruitment.Please note: This is an on-site position. Continued candidacy for the full-time role is contingent upon a willingness to relocate to the Los Angeles area in accordance with the school’s development timeline.Target Milestones (Tentative):• AMCAS Application Cycle Opens: May 2028• First Class Matriculation: August 2029Employment Type:Full-time, executive leadership (following a potential initial part-time strategic phase)Commitment: 5–7 years preferredAbout the SchoolThe Southern California School of Medicine (SCSM), located in Los Angeles, California, is an independent allopathic institution with a bold, mission-driven vision. Founded by a practicing surgeon with deep roots in clinical leadership and innovation, the school aims to educate future physicians with a surgical mindset and precision—regardless of specialty.Our curriculum will fully align with LCME and WASC accreditation standards, but the ethos will be distinct: small, handpicked cohorts; one-on-one mentorship; and an emphasis on developing doers, not just thinkers.With strong clinical affiliations in the South Bay region and a leadership team committed to hands-on support, SCSM seeks a dynamic Founding Dean to bring this transformative vision to life.School PhilosophySCSM is grounded in a unique and focused educational philosophy: to instill in every student the mindset of a surgeon—not necessarily to become one, but to think and act like one, drawing on the best aspects of surgical training to benefit all fields of medicine.The “surgical mentality” we aim to cultivate includes:Decisiveness: Training students to assess, decide, and act efficiently and effectively—especially under pressureAccountability: Owning outcomes and continually striving for excellenceGrit and Resilience: Building mental toughness and adaptability in high-stakes environmentsProcedural Competence: Introducing hands-on, clinically immersive experiences early in trainingTeam Orientation: Developing leadership and collaboration across multidisciplinary teamsOperational Thinking: Teaching systems-based approaches to care delivery, patient flow, and logistics   In addition, we believe that modern physician leaders must be equipped with:Artificial Intelligence Literacy: The proper and responsible integration of AI into medical learning, diagnostics, and clinical decision-makingBusiness Acumen: Early exposure to the economics, policy, and operational dynamics of healthcare deliveryCognitive and Performance Optimization: Training in high-level mental performance—including focus, situational awareness, multitasking, and rapid decision-making—modeled after elite aviation and military programsOur mission is not to steer every student into surgery, but to graduate physicians who are self-directed, systems-literate, and confident in navigating complexity—leaders in any specialty they choose to pursue.Position SummaryThe Founding Dean will serve as the Chief Academic Officer of the Southern California School of Medicine. In this two-phase role, the Dean will begin as a part-time strategic leader in Q1 2026 (tentative; full-time start negotiable), working in collaboration with external consultants and the founding team. Early responsibilities will include hiring key academic leaders (e.g., Deans of Curriculum, Student Affairs, Faculty Affairs, and Accreditation), driving philanthropic efforts, building strategic partnerships with clinical affiliates, overseeing accreditation planning, and guiding institutional setup.The Dean will transition into a full-time, on-site executive leadership role by mid-2027 (tentative) as the school prepares for LCME preliminary accreditation and student recruitment. Candidates must be prepared to relocate to Los Angeles in accordance with this timeline as a condition of full-time employment.The ideal candidate is visionary, grounded in academic rigor, and aligned with a philosophy that blends precision-based clinical training with innovation in business, technology, and leadership education.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the school through the LCME, BPPE, and WASC processes—from initial application through full approval—in collaboration with external consultantsOversee and implement a fully compliant MD curriculum with emphasis on procedural skill, leadership, and cognitive and performance optimizationGuide the integration of artificial intelligence into the educational and clinical training environmentsOversee the development of coursework in healthcare business, systems, and innovationTake a leading role in establishing and managing clinical partnerships across Southern CaliforniaRecruit founding faculty, academic leadership, and administrative staffLead the development of high-performance training modules inspired by elite aviation and military environmentsFoster a culture of mentorship, resilience, inclusion, and academic excellenceRepresent the institution to accrediting bodies, academic communities, clinical partners, and donorsLead fundraising efforts in collaboration with institutional leadership and philanthropic advisorsOversee institutional operations, including budgeting, facilities planning, compliance, and long-term growth strategyMinimum (Required) QualificationsMD degree with eligibility for licensure in CaliforniaAcademic rank of Associate or Full Professor at an LCME-accredited institutionAt least 7–10 years of progressive academic leadership experience (e.g., Chair, Associate Dean, etc.)Deep understanding of curriculum development, academic operations, and student evaluationExceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skillsPreferred QualificationsBackground in surgery or a procedural specialtyDemonstrated success in launching or leading new academic programs or institutionsExpertise in artificial intelligence, medical informatics, or business of medicine educationExperience developing simulation-based or high-stakes decision-making curriculaStrong track record in forming clinical partnerships and securing institutional fundingPrior experience with LCME accreditation or founding a new U.S. medical schoolCompensation and SupportStarting salary: Commensurate with experience; pro-rated during part-time phasePerformance-based bonuses (e.g., LCME approval, successful matriculation)Full benefits upon full-time hire: health, retirement, relocation assistanceDedicated administrative, operational, and legal support provided by the founder and consultants​​​​​​​How to ApplyPlease submit the following to [email protected]:A letter of interest highlighting your qualifications and alignment with the school’s missionCurriculum VitaeContact information for three professional references (letters not required at this stage)Priority Deadline: October 31, 2025Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All inquiries will remain confidential.SCSM is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable academic community. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.