Mitchell Kasovac, DO, FACFP, FAODME, dean of the College of Osteopathic

Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at Western University of Health Sciences

(WesternU) since 1995, has announced his retirement from that position,

effective immediately. He will, however, remain at WesternU in a newly

created position.

Last November Dr. Kasovac had notified the University of plans to

relinquish the helm at COMP at the end of the academic year, in June of

2000. In a December 1999 statement, he explained his reasons for focusing

on new priorities.

“”My ultimate ambition was to be the dean of an osteopathic medical

school,”” said Dr. Kasovac. “”I have enjoyed five rewarding years as dean

of COMP, and I am proud of my accomplishments. There is much more I would

like to achieve – but I think there always will be. The time has come to

slow down a bit, shift back from administration to teaching and spend more

time with my family.””

Dr. Kasovac will remain at WesternU as a professor of family medicine, and

will serve in a newly created position as dean for University Community

Affairs. George Charney, DO, WesternU’s executive vice president of

academic affairs/chief academic officer, will serve as interim dean until

the position is filled.

Expediting Dr. Kasovac’s decision was an invitation from the Pomona

Unified School District (PUSD) to develop a fitness and wellness center in

a PUSD facility close to WesternU’s main campus in downtown Pomona.

“”It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to harness my experience and

WesternU’s resources in service to the health care needs of the

surrounding community,”” said Dr. Kasovac. “”It’s a win-win situation that I

couldn’t put off or walk away from.””

A former president of the American Osteopathic Association (1990-91), Dr.

Kasovac enjoys 36 years of service within the osteopathic profession,

including 26 years in Arizona. He served as chief of staff and a member of

the Board of Trustees of Phoenix General Hospital from 1969 through 1973.

He was president of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association in 1974-

75. He is a current member of the American College of Osteopathic Family

Physicians, the American Osteopathic Foundation and the American College

of Physician Executives. The 1963 graduate of the Chicago College of

Osteopathic Medicine says that he has met most of his lifelong goals, and

that recently he reassessed his priorities.

“”I’m proud of the achievements and contributions I’ve made to my

profession, and I’m thankful that I still have a significant role to play.

But the time has come to enjoy the quality time with family and colleagues

that I so often deferred over the years.””

Dr. Kasovac resides in Upland, California with his wife, Marti. They have

five children and three grandchildren.

COMP has initiated the search for a new dean and anticipates filling the

position by July. For more information, contact the media relations

department at (909) 469-5479.