UAMS has named a new dean for the College of Medicine.
According to a release from the hospital, G. Richard Smith will assume the title effective May 1. He will succeed Debra Fiser, who is stepping down. She had held the title for the past seven years.
"Smith’s leadership as dean and vice chancellor will be vital during this time of change in the history of UAMS and the history of medicine in the United States and Arkansas,” UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn said in the release. “He is ideally suited to lead the College of Medicine and help address the strategic issues of health system change, which are higher health care quality, better patient experience and lower cost.”
Smith is currently the director of the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute. The Jonesboro native earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Rhodes College in Memphis and served as a medical student, intern and resident at UAMS in his time at the hospital. He also worked at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y.
Smith was named chair of the Department of Psychiatry in 2001.
The College of Medicine employs 1,100 full- and part-time workers and a professional practice group, as well as 680 students and 650 residents and fellows.