Dr. Robert M. Mentzer Jr., dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine, welcomed seven new leaders who joined the “cadre that is committed” to Vision 2011, the school’s strategic mission.

Mentzer, at the Nov. 13 School of Medicine Faculty Fall Harvest Reception, recognized Dr. Theodore Jones, interim chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. David Lawson, interim chair, Physiology; Kenneth Lee, associate dean of Finance and Administration; Dr. Lawrence Morawa, chair, Orthopedic Surgery; Dr. Kenneth Palmer, interim chair, Pathology; Dr. Herbert Smitherman Jr., assistant dean, Community and Urban Health; and Dr. Maria Vlachaki, interim chair, Radiation Oncology.

Nearly 100 faculty members took part in the School of Medicine’s strategic planning process, Mentzer noted. Recently completed, the process will roll out to all departments by early January.

“Our strategic plan lays the groundwork for an ambitious and exciting time ahead for the School of Medicine Physician Group,” Mentzer said.

“We could not have reached this important milestone without the intellectual contributions of the workgroup members, and of those of you who guided us throughout the process.”

Dr. Jones’ special interest focuses on treating pregnant women with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. He is an active clinical researcher and an investigator for the NICHD International Pediatric and Perinatal HIV Studies Network.

A professor emeritus of physiology in the School of Medicine, Lawson’s research focuses on integrative responses of experimental rodents to common experimental manipulations and housing conditions. He served 21 years as a member of the WSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, including chairing the organization.

Lee joined the School of Medicine leadership team in 2006 and, since June, has served as interim chief operating and financial officer for the WSU Physician Group. He most recently served as chief administrative officer and director of clinical business affairs for the University of Kentucky School of Medicine.

Dr. Morawa has served on the faculty of the School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopedics since 1974. His research and publications have made him a much sought after speaker nationally and internationally.

Dr. Palmer was the first director of the M.D./Ph.D. program at Wayne State University. He was recruited from Boston University School of Medicine and the Mallory Institute of Pathology.

Dr. Smitherman’s research focuses primarily on health issues related to underrepresented populations of color and access to care. He has invested the last 21 years in working with diverse communities in Detroit to develop urban-based primary-care delivery systems.

Dr. Vlachaki, who could not be present at reception, organized the radiation oncology quality assurance program at New York University’s department, which led to its accreditation by the American College of Radiology. She has been active in research and teaching, presenting her work at national and international conferences, and has been published in well-respected journals in the field.