Locations:
September 17, 2025/Lerner College of Medicine

From the Dean’s Desk | We are Shaping the Future of Medical Education

Bud Isaacson, MD, Executive Dean

At the annual State of the College address, I shared how immensely proud and grateful I am for the achievements and milestones we have reached together. I believe that it takes a village to foster the growth and success of any student, and I am grateful to each one of you who has contributed to our collective accomplishments.

One of the highlights I shared from this year is the impressive achievement of our graduates. Cumulatively 63% of CCLCM graduates have matched at hospitals historically ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report. Many of these students have matched at Cleveland Clinic, and we are delighted to have 30 CCLCM alumni as members of our professional staff. This success is a testament to the quality of education and training we provide and a reflection of the efforts by our faculty and students.

In March 2025, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) conducted its accreditation survey and site visit of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. We eagerly await the survey results, which are expected in October 2025. This process is crucial for maintaining the high standards of our program, and I appreciate everyone's efforts in preparing for this important event.

We set a new record this year: 2,742 applications for 32 available spots in the incoming class. According to the incoming class, the top reasons they chose CCLCM include the opportunity for mentorship, financial support, research experience and our student-to-faculty ratio. These factors highlight the unique and supportive environment we offer, and I am excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to the CCLCM family.

AI is the topic du jour. Under the leadership of Neil Mehta, MBBS, MS, Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs, we have carefully and intentionally woven AI into the curriculum to enhance learning. Students are actively using AI as a virtual tutor, for virtual discussions with simulated patients and for clinical reasoning and research.

Finally, I want to express my deep gratitude to our faculty, administrative staff, students and donors. Your contributions are invaluable, and they make CCLCM an exceptional place for our community to thrive. Thank you for your commitment to our mission of educating physician investigators who advance biomedical research, deliver exceptional clinical care and promote health. Together, we are shaping the future of medical education.

Bud Isaacson, MD
Executive Dean

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