June 25, 2002 — David J. Bjorkman, M.D., M.S.P.H., senior associate dean of the University of Utah School of Medicine, has been selected to participate in a new national leadership development program for current and future medical school deans. Bjorkman is one of three individuals selected from among 16 applicants for the 2002-2003 Council of Deans Fellowship Program, sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

As part of the program, Bjorkman will choose a “Dean Mentor” and visit his mentor’s host school several times during the year to gain an insight into leadership and organizational style and the workings of his mentor’s office.

For the program’s research component, which must address a question of national interest to medical schools, Bjorkman will develop multidisciplinary clinical and research programs. “Institutions tend to think in silos; we need to get beyond that silo, or self-contained, mentality,” Bjorkman said of his project’s focus.

Fellows also will participate in meetings of the 125-member Council of Deans to learn about strategic goals and activities.

Bjorkman joined the medical school in 1985 and has held various medical and administrative posts. In addition to his dean’s position, he is professor of internal medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and executive medical director of the University of Utah Medical Group, the organization of University physicians.

Bjorkman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a medical degree from the U of U, where he won scholastic and service honors. He completed his residency training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, where he also did a fellowship and advanced bilary and pancreatic training in interventional endoscopy.

In 1998, he received a Master of Science Degree in Public Health/Health Services Administration from the U of U School of Medicine and also a Master of Science Degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. He completed the Administration for Physicians Program at the U’s David Eccles School of Business in 1996.

He is a member of numerous professional societies and is active in many professional and community activities.