School of Medicine vice dean steps down

School of Medicine Vice Dean of Education Frederic Burg announced his resignation yesterday. Burg, who has held the position for more than fifteen years, will leave office on July 1. Many medical students suspect Burg might have been asked to leave, according to sixth-year medical student Erick Santos, a member of the Medical Student Government. Burg, joined by Med School Dean William Kelley, announced his resignation before the Medical Student Government at a meeting yesterday. Burg said he needed to move on and that it was time for someone new to take over the position, according to Santos. "Dean Kelley said they were going to try to fill the position as soon as possible, without a search committee," he said. According to Medical Student Government President Wendy Gwirtzman, Kelley was concerned about Burg's resignation because the medical community in the nation has been changing rapidly. Therefore, it would be detrimental to the University's medical school if it went without a dean for an extended period while a search committee conducted an exhaustive hunt for a replacement. "Dean Kelley was more than gracious in extending the decision period from two weeks to one month," Gwirtzman added. However, Kelley agreed to accept letters in support of possible candidates from students, she said. There was an uneasiness among medical students about the selection process because Kelley wants to forgo the search committee, Santos said. "There was a feeling that if you read between the lines at the meeting that Dean Kelley had somebody in mind for the replacement," he said. At the University Council meeting yesterday afternoon, Santos asked the Council if the "proper proceedings" were being followed -- since this was an important position that has been vacated. Santos' question was referred to Provost Stanley Chodorow -- who responded by saying he would look into the matter. According to Santos, faculty members had not been informed of Burg's resignation until today. But Gwirtzman said the Medical Student Government supports Burg in his decision. "I think that it's too bad that the medical school is losing somebody who is very supportive to students," said Gwirtzman. "However, he feels that it is time to move on and we have to support him in that decision." The vice dean of education is responsible for the undergraduate education, international medical programs and minority affairs in the medical school.