Steven L. Kanter, a neurosurgeon and vice dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has been named dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.
(Note: KCUR is licensed by UMKC.)
Kanter succeeds Betty Drees, who led the medical school for 13 years and will remain on the faculty.
Kanter begins his work as dean on Oct. 1. He will also teach one of his specialties, medical informatics, which deals with the analysis of troves of medical data through the use of information technology.
“I hope to focus the considerable talent and energy of the School of Medicine faculty, staff and students on helping to make Kansas City the healthiest city in America,” Kanter said in a statement.
“Of course, the best way — and the only way— to do this is to engage with business and community partners, clinical partners, alumni and neighboring institutions.”
The medical school was founded in 1971. It accepts students directly out of high school for a combined undergraduate and medical degree program. Students graduate in six years.
The school has affiliations with Truman Medical Centers, Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Center for Behavioral Medicine, The Kansas City Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Research Medical Center.
Kanter received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&I University and his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio. From 2008 to 2012 he was editor in chief of Academic Medicine, the journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
