After a long and distinguished career dedicated to medical education, Robert Eaglen, Ph.D., will be stepping down from his role as special advisor for accreditation effective April 30, 2021.
Dr. Eaglen has made a lasting imprint on NEOMED, having served in multiple administrative and faculty roles during his career. In 2009, he was appointed by then NEOUCOM's president and dean as a research scholar and then as associate professor of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences and the director of Faculty Affairs for the College of Medicine. He also assisted the dean and senior vice president/executive associate dean with LCME accreditation work.
In 2010 he was named executive director of Learning and Faculty Services and, until 2014, oversaw the areas of faculty affairs, the NEOMED Library and academic services. After a few years away from NEOMED, he returned in 2017 to serve in the College of Medicine Dean's Office, first as associate dean of quality initiatives and most recently as special advisor for accreditation. A biological anthropologist by training, he has held multiple faculty appointments, including associate professor in the departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Integrative Medical Sciences, and Family and Community Medicine.
Included in Dr. Eaglen’s impressive career history is his tenure as associate vice president in the Division of Medical Education for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and assistant secretary for the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). During that time, he authored LCME standards and compiled a written history of the LCME. His expertise in medical school accreditation has proven to be invaluable to the College these last four years as he provided steady and effective guidance and counsel throughout the College's entire accreditation process.
Tributes from some of Dr. Eaglen’s close colleagues exemplify the contributions he has made to NEOMED:
Deborah Loyet, M.A., Executive Director, Academic and Faculty Affairs
“Those of us who reported to Dr. Eaglen enjoyed his leadership and support and benefited greatly from his wisdom and insights in medical education, faculty life, and accreditation. When working closely with Dr. Eaglen, one soon discovers that he is a consummate scholar and gentleman using exceptional research, education, and writing skills to explore topics, offer solutions, and improve practices, all with consistent kindness and teamwork. He has provided an abundance of superb professional advice and guidance to his administrative teams and the College of Medicine on the things that matter the most, how to deliver high-quality medical education and training in a manner that ensures success for students, faculty, and staff.”
Sebastian Diaz, Ph.D., J.D., Associate Dean of Quality Initiatives
"Bob’s invaluable perspectives helped guide my steep learning curve about all things accreditation. In collaboration with other colleagues, Bob took the time to explain to me carefully the standards and elements of the LCME, and the criteria by which they are judged. I am grateful for all Bob has taught me, all the counsel he has provided my NEOMED colleagues and me, and most importantly, the impactful relationship with him from which I have benefitted so much."
Eugene Mowad, M.D., Vice Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
“Bob's unique combination of an authoritative understanding of the accreditation of medical colleges and his longtime record of service and loyalty to NEOMED made him the ideal person to support our efforts at a critical juncture for the College of Medicine. We were lucky to recruit him and are left with a solid footing for the future because of his willingness to work with and mentor the NEOMED College of Medicine leadership team."
While Dr. Eaglen is stepping down from his staff role, he will remain a member of the NEOMED faculty. The College of Medicine wishes Dr. Eaglen the best for all that is ahead of him.
-Submitted by Jennifer Lint, director of Administration and Communications, College of Medicine