Office of the President
As the new dean and executive vice president, I am excited to be a part of such a well-respected academic institution where the board of trustees, the board of advisors, faculty, staff, students, residents, researchers and alumni are assisting to help eradicate health disparities and train health professionals in Georgia, our nation and globally.
Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, I am a product of the educational system in the state. I am an example of its investment and success, but I’m also well aware of its need. The need to produce a diverse health professional workforce dedicated to ensuring that all citizens have equal access to health care and high quality care.
In fact, 15.2% of the population in the state of Georgia lives in designated primary care health professional shortage areas, compared to the national average of 11%. Georgia also ranks in the lower quartile for preventive services and the upper quartile for health risks.
There is a need to address health disparities in Georgia and Morehouse School of Medicine has the opportunity be at the forefront of educating Georgians and becoming a catalyst for change.
My vision for Morehouse School of Medicine is aligned with the strategic plan that has been well thought out by the board of trustees, the board of advisors, faculty and leaders and stay true to the long-standing mission of this institution. Morehouse School of Medicine is in a unique position of being an integrated member of the largest consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the world – the Atlanta University Center. This offers an opportunity to create collaborative scholars who will work together on cross-disciplinary challenges and help advance the continuum of bench-to-bedside science.
I look forward to getting to know all the members of our community and wish to thank you for this opportunity to share my hopes and goals for Morehouse School of Medicine.
Together, we are on a mission!
Sincerely,
Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D.
Dean & Executive Vice President