ER Physician Named Assistant Dean at WesternU
Craig Lenz, DO, FAODME, has joined Western University of Health Sciences
(WesternU) as the Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs for the College of
Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. In this position, he will oversee the
administration of the clinical departments and work to recruit new
clinical department chairpersons. He will also serve as liaison between
the clinical faculty and the dean.
“”One of my goals is to expand the number of clinical rotations available
for students in the greater Los Angeles area,”” Dr. Lenz said. “”I enjoy
working with medical students in all the different disciplines, and I’m
looking forward to the opportunity to help them make the most of their
clinical experiences.””
Formerly an emergency department physician at Redington-Fairview Hospital
in Maine, Dr. 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.
“”I’ve been heavily involved in education for nearly 20 years, but have
never had the chance to do it full time,”” Dr. Lenz said. “”WesternU gave me
that opportunity, and it was especially attractive to me because of the
concept of having all the different health disciplines on one campus.””
According to George Charney, DO, FAOCA, FAODME, executive vice president
of academic affairs and chief academic officer, Dr. Lenz brings a solid
background of medical experience to the University which will positively
impact clinical education.
“”His extensive medical background makes him perfect for this position,””
Dr. Charney said. “”He’s an educator and a healer, and that combination is
a welcome addition to our university.””
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.
Before his move to WesternU, the furthest west Dr. Lenz had lived was
Philadelphia. He said that over the years, he and his wife Linda “”just got
tired of winter.
“”I’m really excited about not needing to own a snow-thrower any more; I
love seeing sunshine all the time,”” he said.
He is currently living in Alta Loma, and enjoys scuba diving and power
boating. He and his wife have three grown children.
