Heidi Chumley
Medical School Dean at Ross University School of Medicine
“I always wanted to be a doctor, since I was seven! After I went through medical school, I had a really rough time in medical school because it was very de-humanizing, and several years out, I knew I wanted to help make medical schools better, especially for women. I really love my job because I feel like I get to make a difference.”
Read Dr. Heidi’s full profile below
What do you do every day?
I run a medical school- being the dean of a medical school is like being the principal of a school! It's all about ensuring that every student has a successful time and can move on well to the next step. For medical school, that's the residency. So we teach our students critical thinking and communications skills.
Why do you love it?
I always wanted to be a doctor, since I was seven! After I went through medical school, I had a really rough time in medical school because it was very de-humanizing, and several years out, I knew I wanted to help make medical schools better, especially for women. I really love my job because I feel like I get to make a difference.
What were your moments of fear and challenges in your career?
Training as a physician is incredibly challenging- mentally, physically and emotionally. However, you are still surrounded generally by mentors and friends who want to see you succeed. As I began my career in academic medicine- where I was a doctor and teaching future doctors- I saw that there were special challenges for women in academic medicine. I got married and raised a family- and it's doable, but it has it's own fun challenges and is very important.
What are some of the latest innovations in science that you are most excited about?
We are getting better at medicine at getting what we know to people who need it- solving the disparities in healthcare. We have known some cheap and easy interventions- but there are still parts of the population that don't get them. Fixing our system so everyone has opportunities to access them is very exciting.
I''m also excited about the genomics revolution and hope we can see genetic diseases eradicated.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Clear Lake Texas, halfway between Houston and Galveston- where the Space Center is! My mom is a teacher, and my dad works for IBM where he programmed for Apollo!
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was my high school basketball coach! I learned more about life and general from him, than I did from any of my other teachers- how to be a teammate, stand for something important, be a leader, how to compete as a professional (be a good sport), keep your eye on the big picture (academic and personal growth).
Is there a current book or book you love?
I love to read Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point, David and Goliath, Blink)- the way he sees the world and writes about it explains things very well. He sees that success is something we can drive ourselves.
I also have been enjoying Tom Clancy novels- they are long, filled with intricate plots and have a great historical background.
What is your favorite website or fun activity?
For fun- my life is very hectic, and it's intense at work and home, always busy- so for fun I love to go out on the beach, listen to the waves, and read a book. I need to find that peace to restore and refresh myself. If you lead a hectic, busy life, you need that so you can still have more to give.
Who inspires you?
Our medical students! Many of them come from difficult backgrounds, and their stories are so incredible. They are such resilient, empathic people and they become wonderful physicians because of their struggles and what they have had to overcome.
What’s next for you?
Twenty years ago, I kept saying I wanted to be dean of a medical school- and now I am! This is what I have wanted to do for a long time, and I am enjoying it right now. On the horizon, I would like to have a higher level of involvement in health education policies globally. Right now, I'm having a lot of fun doing this!
