THE DEAN OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE— A JOB ANALYSIS

During the period 1945-1949 sixty-three new deans have been appointed by forty-five of the seventy-eight medical and basic science schools in the United States. This rapid turnover in deanships has aroused comment. The view has been advanced in some quarters that the task of heading a medical school has become so difficult and frustrating that few men are willing to cope with the problems for more than a short time. However, obvious explanations exist for most of the changes. The majority of new appointments have been necessitated by extramural or intramural promotions, by deaths and by retirements for age.

Evidence is available, however, to indicate that the demands made of deans are becoming heavier. In an increasing number of schools, the deanship is coming to be regarded as a full time job and the dean is not expected to carry major responsibilities in teaching, practice or research.

An adequate definition