Today, as Barbara L. Bass, MD, RESD '86, begins her first day at GW serving as the new Vice President for Health Affairs, Dean of the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Chief Executive Officer of the GW Medical Faculty Associates (GW MFA), the GW community offers her a warm welcome.
After several months of anticipating her arrival, Dean Bass began in her new roles: leading the 11th oldest medical school in the nation and the first medical school in the Nation's Capital; as well as leading the GW Medical Faculty Associates, the largest independent physician medical practice in the Washington, D.C., region. In these newly combined positions, her leadership will deepen the relationship between GW and the GW MFA, and strengthen the medical enterprise.
As Dean Bass previously said, "I am thrilled to return to GW, where I became a surgeon and began my career in academic surgery. GW is an institution made up of individuals committed to doing the right thing for patients, always."
Her focus will be on the core principals of SMHS and the GW MFA, including: the development of physicians and health care providers who will become future leaders, driving forward scientific discovery, and working with energy and passion to improve the health of the citizens and communities served by GW. Dean Bass will provide strategic direction on all aspects of GW's medical enterprise.
"GW is a special place with an important mission - and I look forward to working with the various facets of the institution to ensure that we are not just meeting the expectations of a world-class academic medical center, but also exceeding them. We are an institution with big goals and an important mission - with our shared purpose and a recognition that we have a unique opportunity to serve our community, we will accomplish our goals," said Dean Bass.
In the coming months, Dean Bass will begin meeting with various groups, departments, and organizations within the SMHS and the GW MFA to get a closer look at the day-to-day workings, which will help define her top priorities and develop a plan for the future.
"I am delighted to be here and look forward to meeting everyone - I look forward to talking about the future and getting your feedback on how we will continue to build upon the great work of my predecessors, with the aim of building our most strategic path ahead," she noted.
