SMD, SON inaugurate three new deans

Hundert Chiverton Cory-Slechta Ford Peck

or the first time in its history, the Medical Center has invested three new deans in a single ceremony, which took place on October 12. Edward Hundert, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry; Patricia Chiverton, dean of the School of Nursing; and Deborah Cory-Slechta, dean of research for the School of Medicine and Dentistry were all officially inaugurated during ceremonies at the David Hochstein Memorial Music School.

Hundert, who is the eighth SMD dean, also is a professor of psychiatry and medical humanities. He most recently served as senior associate dean for medical education, leading the medical school's faculty and student effort to create the Double Helix Curriculum, which integrates the basic and clinical sciences across all four years of medical school. Hundert has received numerous fellowships and awards during his career.

Chiverton, who also is vice president of Strong Health, has served as associate dean for clinical affairs at SON and the Medical Center since 1996. She received the Excellence in Leadership Award from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association in 1994 and the Professional Advancement Award from the University in 1997. She becomes the third SON dean.

Cory-Slechta, who also serves as the director of the Aab Institute of Biomedical Sciences and chair of the Department of Environmental Medicine, has received exceptional support for her work in environmental medicine and has earned numerous awards. She is the first person appointed to this newly created position.

Investiture ceremonies included the conferring of two honorary doctor of science degrees: one to Loretta Ford and the other to William Peck.

Ford, dean emeritus, was the founding dean of SON when it became autonomous in 1972. She retired from the school in 1986. Ford fostered a collaborative nursing practice and nursing education model that is still being pursued by schools and hospitals today.

Peck is a 1960 alumnus of the medical school and a professor emeritus of medicine and biochemistry. He is currently executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The integration of basic science and clinical research has driven Peck's work throughout his career. He is known as a distinguished investigator and true leader in academic medicine.

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