Last spring, Karen Antman, MD, announced her intention to step down as provost of the Medical Campus and dean of the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. As the search for a permanent successor continues, Hee-Young Park, PhD, assumed the role of interim dean of the medical school, effective July 1, and will report to the University provost along with all other academic deans.

The Carolann S. Najarian, MD, Professor, chair of medical sciences & education, professor of dermatology, and associate dean of faculty affairs, Park has established herself as a trusted, collaborative leader with deep insight into the academic and clinical priorities of the Medical Campus for more than three decades. She has played a central role in faculty advancement, educational leader-ship, and institutional governance, earning the respect and confidence of her colleagues on the Medical Campus and across the University.

A highly regarded scientist and educator, Park focuses her research on the molecular and cellular pathways involved in human pigmentation and wound healing. She is a dedicated mentor to students and trainees at all levels and has received numerous hon-ors for her teaching and research. She also is an active contributor to campus life, serving on the Faculty Council, University Council, and University Council Committee on Faculty Policies, as well as the Committee on Faculty Affairs at the medical school.