William Henrich, M.D., M.A.C.P.
Dean of the Medical School and Vice President for Medical Affairs

Dr. Henrich has been named dean of the Medical School and vice president for medical affairs. He assumes his position in March 2006.

Dr. Henrich earned his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine and completed post-doctoral training at the University of Oregon Medical School Hospital and Clinics and the University of Colorado Medical School. Prior to joining the Health Science Center, he served as the Theodore E. Woodward Professor of Medicine, chairman of the department of medicine, and physician-in-chief at the University of Maryland Hospital. He is active in numerous national committees, and serves as president of the American Society of Nephrology.

Dr. Henrich is a native Texan and has been a visiting professor at the Health Science Center twice in recent years. "There is a sort of spirit about the place that is engaging," he said. "I am excited about the chance to come back for both the job and the chance to be in the community."

Look for a feature on Dr. Henrich in a future issue of The Mission.

Carlos Jaén, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt appointed Dr. Jaén to the national advisory council of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). His term of service extends through November 2008.

The council advises Sec. Leavitt and the AHRQ Director, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, on matters related to actions of the AHRQ to (1) reduce the costs of health care services and (2) improve access to health care services through scientific research and promotion of improvements in clinical practice and the organization, financing and delivery of health services.

The council consists of 21 representatives who are leaders in the fields of health care research, health care quality, primary care medicine, health care economics and other areas.

"We are redesigning the ways services are delivered in practices throughout our country," Dr. Jaén said. "I am excited to be a part of that effort through this national advisory committee."

Robert Schenken, M.D.
Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Schenken has been elected to serve on the board of directors of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), the national organization that certifies physicians in obstetrics and gynecology, and related subspecialties.

The ABOG is one of 24 organizations that fall under the umbrella of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). It arranges and conducts examinations to qualify physicians for board certification and recertification.