Craig Lenz, DO, FAODME, Named Dean of COMP
Craig Lenz, DO, FAODME, has been named Dean of the College of Osteopathic
Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at Western University of Health Sciences as
a conclusion to a national search and recommendation from the search
committee.
“”Dr. Lenz has the skill, knowledge, ability and desire to lead the College
to a new level,”” said George Charney, DO, FAOCA, FAODME, executive vice
president of academic affairs and chief academic officer. “”He has an
extensive background in both medicine and education and he has already
proven himself a leader at Western University.””
Formerly an emergency department physician at Redington-Fairview Hospital
in Maine, Lenz said he has always been interested in the academic side of
medicine. He served for more than 10 years as a clinical clerkship
coordinator for the Area Health Education program at the University of New
England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and also worked as the
osteopathic director of medical education for the family practice
residency program at Eastern Maine Medical Center.
“”Working with faculty and students at a dynamic and growing institution
such as COMP has been a real opportunity, and I look forward to leading
the College in preparing the health care teams of tomorrow,”” Lenz said.
He noted that the University is in a strong financial position, is in the
midst of building a new library and learning resources center, and has
strong applicant pools for all its programs. The University is continually
adding new faculty and staff.
The College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific now enrolls 176
medical students in each class. “”What makes Western University
distinctive is its commitment to preparing physicians and other health
professionals who are not only skilled, but also compassionate,”” he added.
Lenz said one of his top goals as dean is to expand the number of clinical
rotations available for students in the greater Los Angeles area. He also
plans to work closely with deans of Western University’s other Colleges to
ensure that the University prepares health care professionals to work as a
team. “”As the health care industry evolves, teamwork is becoming more
important-our graduates have an advantage because they are trained to
think in those terms from the beginning.”” According to Dr. Charney, a
selection committee recommended Dr. Lenz for dean position after seeing
him in action as assistant dean.
“”Dr. Lenz is an educator and a healer, and that combination has been a
welcome addition to our University,”” Dr. Charney said.
Dr. Lenz earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from
Princeton University, and was in a master’s program in counseling
psychology at the University of Pennsylvania prior to entering medical
school. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is certified by the
American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Osteopathic
Family Practitioners, and holds membership with the American Osteopathic
Association (AOA) and the Academy of Osteopathic Directors and Medical
Educators (AODME). He was elected to fellowship in AODME about 10 years
ago.
He is currently living in Alta Loma, and enjoys scuba diving and power
boating. He and his wife have three grown children.
