Professor Joanne Baxter has been appointed Dean of the Dunedin School of Medicine.
“Leadership positions are a privilege, and I feel very privileged to have been appointed,” said Prof Baxter (pictured).
University of Otago Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Murdoch says Professor Baxter was a great candidate for the role.
“The Dunedin School of Medicine is a vital part of this University and makes an important contribution to medical and health education and research, both in New Zealand and globally. We have a responsibility to constantly strive to improve and Professor Baxter brings the passion, skills, experience, and perspective to ensure we will continue to develop,” he said.
“She is also the first wahine Māori to hold this position, an invaluable voice. As we continue to better acknowledge both the necessity and great benefits of equity and representation, I am certain she won’t be the last.”
Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences Professor Paul Brunton says, “I am delighted to see Professor Baxter appointed to this role. She brings a wealth of experience and is a highly capable and visionary leader.”
With more than 20 years working in the Dunedin School of Medicine concurrent with over 10 years in roles in the wider Division of Health Sciences, Professor Baxter said she is committed to the University as a place that can make a real difference in education and health for individuals, whānau and communities through teaching, research, and service.
Professor Baxter is currently the Director of Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori in the Division of Health Sciences, Co-Director of Māori Health Workforce Development Unit (within Kōhatu), and Professor for Māori Health in the Dunedin School of Medicine. Nationally, she is involved in the health workforce and sits on the Ministry of Health’s Health Workforce Advisory Committee.
Professor Baxter, who replaces Professor Rathan Subramaniam, will begin the role on 1 July 2022. In the interim she looks forward to supporting the Acting Dean Professor Lynley Anderson.
