How a long-time physician makes new use of medical skills as dean of local college of medicine

After many years dedicated to being a physician, educator and researcher in medical education, I’ve recently transitioned to a new role as dean of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University. A colleague asked me how it feels to set aside my stethoscope and step away from patient care. I paused and realized, “This new medical school is my patient now!” The parallels between these roles have surprised me. The qualities that define a good doctor — listening carefully,…