After an extensive national search, William L. Henrich, M.D., M.A.C.P., has been named dean of the Health Science Center’s Medical School and vice president for medical affairs. He assumes his position in March 2006. Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., president, announced the appointment yesterday.
“I am confident that Dr. Henrich and his wife, Mary, will be wonderful additions to our Health Science Center family, San Antonio and the South Texas/Border Region,” Dr. Cigarroa said. “He is a fine physician, educator, clinician, researcher and leader of academic medicine.”
As the Health Science Center prepares to welcome Dr. Henrich, news has already reached the San Antonio community. Dr. Henrich was recognized today in the San Antonio Express-News.
“A native Texan who hopes to raise San Antonio’s profile in the world of biomedical research has been chosen as the dean of the Medical School at the Health Science Center,” the Express-News said.
Dr. Henrich has been a visiting professor to the Health Science Center twice in recent years.
“There is a sort of spirit about the place that is engaging. We are excited about the chance to come back for both the job and the chance to be in the community,” he said. “One of the major missions of a medical school is caring for the underserved, and it’s a mission a medical school cannot and will not shirk.”
Upon the arrival of Dr. Henrich, Interim Dean Thomas Mayes, M.D., M.B.A., will resume his duties as chair of the department of pediatrics.
“I want to extend my great appreciation to the search committee, so ably chaired by Dr. Hanna Abboud, for an outstanding job,” Dr. Cigarroa said. “And, of course, I am so grateful to Dr. Tom Mayes, who continues to serve with such distinction as interim dean of the Medical School. He will continue to play a major leadership role, as he has always done, in the success of the Health Science Center.”
