People on the Move in Psychiatry

January 8, 2013 - Francisco Moreno, MD, Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, has been appointed as Deputy Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Medicine. As of January 1, 2013, he will step down from his role as Executive Vice Chair.

Department Chair and Professor of Psychiatry, Ole Thienhaus, MD, FACPsych, expressed his appreciation, "I don't have to elaborate on the critical contributions Dr. Moreno has made, and continues to make, to the Department of Psychiatry. I expect that we will continue to benefit from his dedication, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm and leadership. As citizens of the College of Medicine we can feel very privileged to know how capable a person the Dean is getting on his team to provide a pivotal function in the forward-movement of the institution."

The College of Medicine has a long history of commitment to diversity and values differences that contribute to the achievement of our research, education, clinical and service missions. This new position elevates diversity and inclusion as important strategic priorities for the college as we seek to effectively address the health-care needs of the increasingly diverse populations of Arizona and the nation, says Steve Goldschmid, MD, dean of the UA College of Medicine‚ Tucson.
 
Dr. Moreno's accomplishments as a faculty member and as our representative to the American Association of Medical Colleges Group on Diversity and Inclusion make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. His guidance will help us promote a collaborative climate that recognizes and rewards diversity and encourages the full participation of everyone. Diversity and inclusion are the tools that will shape our achievement of excellence.
 
As chief diversity office for the UA College of Medicine‚ Tucson, Dr. Moreno will lead the college's many existing diversity and inclusion efforts for students, residents, faculty and staff, coordinating and evaluating programs in a larger, integrated initiative. In addition to overseeing the UA College of Medicine Office of Outreach and Multicultural Affairs and Arizona Hispanic Center of Excellence, he will work with the offices of admissions, student affairs, student development, graduate medical education and faculty affairs to attract diverse students, residents and faculty; provide opportunities for success; and foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration. In addition, working with The University of Arizona Health Network and the UA, he will help develop the college's diversity and inclusion policies and strategies in support of the College of Medicine's mission of improving health and health care for all Arizonans.
 
Diversity is an important priority that must permeate all aspects of the College of Medicine, says Dr. Moreno. My goal is to continue to build a culture in which each College of Medicine program, committee and office that involves leaders, staff, faculty or students embraces and champions diversity.
 
A phased transition is underway in the Department of Psychiatry. In accordance with our department strategic plan, Associate Chairs have been appointed:
  • Karen Weihs, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Director of Psychosocial Support and Psychooncology Services at the Arizona Cancer Center, is now Associate Head for Research;
  • Steven Herron, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Psychiatry Residency Training Program, is now Associate Head for Education; and
  • Richard Rhoads, MD, Assistant Profressor of Psychiatry and Medical Director of Behavioral Health Services at South Campus, is now Associate Head for Clinical Affairs. 
In addition to her research accomplishments, Dr. Weihs recently passed her Board Examination in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM). This adds to the range of recognized competencies among the members of our faculty. It complements certain other subspecialists in our ranks, such as geriatric psychiatrists, consultation-liaision psychiatrists and child psychiatrists. 
 
Congratulations to these faculty members!
 
Release Date: 
01/08/2013 - 12:03pm