Dean of Rochester Hills’ Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine to Step Down

1495
Robert Folberg is stepping down as dean of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. // Photograph Courtesy of Oakland University

Robert Folberg, the Stephan Sharf founding dean of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester Hills, has announced he will step down from his position at a yet-to-be-determined date.

The university will appoint an interim dean as well as work with Beaumont Health in Southfield to assemble a committee and engage a search firm to launch a national search for the next dean. Folberg holds a tenured position as a professor in foundational medical studies, pathology, and ophthalmology. He will remain a member of the faculty.

“It has been a privilege for me to have served as the founding dean of the OUWB School of Medicine. I am very grateful for what we have accomplished,” he says.

Folberg joined OUWB a decade ago and oversaw the establishment of the institution, which was Michigan’s first new medical school in more than 50 years. The school welcomed 50 students in its first year and has grown to 125 students per year.

“Given my experience with medical schools across the country, there is no question Dean Folberg has established a top-rate medical school with a truly unique and innovative mission, an extraordinarily accomplished and dedicated faculty, and a growing list of exemplary academic and community engagement achievements,” says Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, president of Oakland University. “His efforts will benefit students, patients, and communities here in Michigan, as well as across the nation, for generations to come.”

Folberg also oversaw the achievement of the school’s full accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.

“Dean Folberg has led the development of a curriculum and culture that prepare future physicians to deliver caring and compassionate service to patients,” says David Wood, chief medical officer at Beaumont Health. “We are so grateful to Dean Folberg for all of his contributions.”