The MU School of Medicine announced Tuesday Dr. Patrice Delafontaine will take on the position of dean. Delafontaine is currently the chair in cardiovascular at Tulane University in New Orleans. Form MU School of Medicine Dean Dr. Robert Churchill retired from the position in October 2012 amidst an ongoing federal investigation into billing fraud in the Department of Radiation. Churchill was not implicated in the investigation and those involved were fired. Leslie W. Hall had served as interim dean since 2012.
Delafontaine became interested in Missouri because of the strong and positive reputation it possesses.
"It's got all the ingredients to develop on outstanding academic medical center. It's got very strong research already, it's got strong clinical programs, and it's got outstanding educational programs," Delafontaine said.
Delafontaine is also planning on expanding the programs already in place.
"I would like to continue the rich tradition in a strong educational program, help grow the clinical programs across the school, and grow the research programs," Delafontaine said.
The new dean is excited to get started at the school this winter.
"I am delighted and honored to have been chosen. I think that the school is relatively unique in that it has all the colleges and schools on one campus and that it's a great opportunity to develop an outstanding academic medical center," Delafontaine said.
He will start in the position on December 1 of this year.