Department of Medicine

Transitions of Leadership
Dr. Jonathan Ravdin has served as Chair of the Department of Medicine since 1996.  He is a leader with exceptional vision and integrity and we are fortunate to have had his input and guidance for the past twelve years.

His commitment to excellence in medical education had a direct impact on the residency program and medicine clerkships.  Dr. Ravdin rejuvenated bedside teaching by initiating Professor’s Rounds.  His presence at Morning Report and frequent attending on the wards showcased his desire to teach and also to form relationships with the residents and students.  Dr. Ravdin was instrumental in developing the Global Health Pathway and the Physician Scientist Pathway.  He grew the Department and recruited many key faculty.

It is because of this vision that he has been recruited to a new position as Dean of the School of Medicine at Medical College of Wisconsin.  This is a wonderful opportunity to further expand his horizons and lead in new directions. 

Dr. Wesley Miller, an experienced leader and medical educator, will assume the role of Department Chair while a search is underway.  Dr. Miller has a passion for teaching and learning that extends to all aspects of medicine.  While serving as Vice Chair for Education he has been actively involved in many initiatives, including medical student teaching, resident recruitment, rotation design, night float implementation, and developing opportunities for scholarly activity.  He has won numerous teaching awards, including the Outstanding Teaching Award from the Minnesota Medical Foundation, the Teacher of the Year Award from the residency program, and membership in the Academy of Medical Educators at the University of Minnesota.  As Department Chair, Dr. Miller will continue to make education a high priority.

Although Dr. Ravdin will be missed, the experiences he helped design and implement will carry on and thrive, and the positive impact on the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota will continue on for years to come.