As we welcome 2026, it is clear that the world around us continues to change rapidly, often presenting uncertainty and challenge. Yet, our work at the School of Medicine remains vital and urgent.
The demands and advances in health care require us to focus on the pressing needs of those we serve through our patient care, our research discoveries and our commitment to education. Each of us—students, faculty and staff—has a role to play in meeting these challenges and moving our mission forward.
Our priorities this year reflect these urgent needs:
- Improving research efficiency to reduce costs and accelerate progress.
- Applying large language models to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of diagnostic testing.
- Enhancing clinical coordination to reduce errors and improve patient outcomes.
- Expanding multi- and transdisciplinary research to turn discoveries into real health benefits.
- Responding creatively to evolving questions about our approaches to health research, education and practice.
These priorities are not just goals—they are responses to the immediate needs and opportunities before us.
To support this work, we are launching the School of Medicine Strategic Plan for 2026–2031. Six key sections have been outlined, each with champions leading the way:
- Research – Department chairs, center directors and vice deans for research and oncology
- Translational Research – CTSC Executive Committee
- Medical Education – Vice dean and executive dean for medical education
- Graduate Education – Vice dean for graduate education and program directors
- Academic Community – Faculty Council Steering Committee
- Philanthropy – Office of Development
Each section will set critical goals, objectives and metrics to guide our progress over the next five years. By May 1, we plan to share a draft with department chairs at a faculty town hall. The department chairs will then distribute the plan to staff at their departmental meetings. Feedback by May 15 will help us finalize the plan, which will be posted by the end of June.
This Strategic Plan will serve as our roadmap for the next five years, allowing for annual adjustments as we respond to the ever-changing landscape.
Despite the challenges in the world around us, our work remains essential. I look forward to what we will accomplish together in 2026, and I invite your input, creativity and commitment as we move ahead.
Thank you for your dedication to our mission and to each other.
Sincerely,
Stan Gerson, MD
Dean and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs, CWRU School of Medicine
Director, National Center for Regenerative Medicine
