Dean of SOM Transition

TTUHSC Transition of School of Medicine Dean and EVP for Clinical Affairs

Dr. Steven Berk steps down from his leadership roles but will remain on faculty as a professor.

Dear TTUHSC Family,

Effective August 31, 2023, Dr. Steven Berk will step out of his current roles as School of Medicine (SOM) Dean and Executive Vice President (EVP) for Clinical Affairs at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and will remain on faculty as a professor.

While a search is being conducted for a new SOM Dean and EVP for Clinical Affairs, I have appointed Dr. John DeToledo – The Haggerton Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology, Lubbock – to serve as Interim Dean and Bryce McGregor, M.B.A. – Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, Executive Associate Dean for Administration – to serve as Interim EVP for Clinical Affairs. Their appointments will be effective September 1, 2023, and will continue until a new Dean and EVP for Clinical Affairs is identified and official duties begin.

Due to the symbiotic nature of the dean and clinical affairs roles, Dr. DeToledo and Mr. McGregor will work closely with one another in their interim appointments to ensure congruency of our efforts to continue a robust clinical practice while ensuring high-quality academic and research successes during this interim period. 

We are grateful to Dr. Berk and thankful for his work in leading our medical school as Dean over the last 17 years. Dr. Berk joined the faculty of the School of Medicine in 1999 and served as Regional Dean for the Amarillo Campus and professor of Medicine until 2006 when he was appointed SOM Dean. His distinguished career is noted by his unparalleled commitment to students, advocacy for diversity in medicine, and drive to support rural health care needs.

Under Dr. Berk’s direction, the SOM has experienced continued growth through innovative ideas and programs while building strong relationships with our hospital partners. His vision for addressing the ever-increasing need for primary care physicians launched a unique Family Medicine Accelerated Track, the first program of its kind in the country. Dr. Berk’s leadership reflects an important balance between education, research, clinical care, and service to the community.

We are committed as a university to identifying a distinguished candidate to fill the Dean and EVP for Clinical Affairs roles. Our focus will be on an individual who will embody our Values while helping achieve our vision — to transform health care through innovation and collaboration —  in alignment with our mission. 

Kind regards,

Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D.
President
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Darrin D'Agostino, D.O., MPH, MBA

Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center