Opportunity From the Assistant Dean, Student Affairs

During this academic year, JSSOM launched Learning Communities (LCs) along with two new faculty roles designed to strengthen student learner support across the curriculum phases. These roles are central to our commitment to relationship-based services and early, continuous academic support for our medical students. 

Noteworthy accomplishments included actively building the LC student experience through lunch and learn events like Deans’ Diner with Dr. Bianco, development of co-curricular programming aligned with the Doctoring and Clinical Skills (DoCS) curriculum, and the grand opening of eight LC spaces with student lounge in the Graves Building. Just to name a few.

As we plan for the AY 2026–2027 academic year, we are seeking to recruit the remaining LC faculty, for a total of 32 faculty positions. Below is a brief overview of the two roles:

Learning Community Faculty Lead-0.30 FTE ( 2 of 8 positions available):

·        Develops the JSSOM LC Model and faculty experience

·        Guides the LC faculty and peer leaders

·        Provides longitudinal career and elective advising

·        Supports student success and wellness through programming and office hours

·        Participates in JSSOM student events

·        Teaches DoCS (Phase I)

Learning Community Faculty-0.20 FTE (24 of 24 positions available):

·        Provides longitudinal career and elective advising

·        Supports student success and wellness through programming and office hours

·        Participates in JSSOM student events

·        Teaches DoCS (Phase I)

Attached is a flyer that you may share with your faculty, which includes a QR code and direct link to express their interests. These are exciting times in medical education as we continue transformative work on behalf of our future physician-scientists. If desired, we welcome the opportunity to share more about the JSSOM LC Initiative and faculty positions during your leadership team meetings or Grand Rounds.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and to JSSOM Medical Education.

Marquis T. Gatewood, Ed.D. (he/him)
Assistant Dean, Office of Student Affairs
Founding Director, Learning Community Leadership & Support
E
mtgatewo@utmb.edu | P 409.266.2105