Michael Hocker Appointed Executive Dean of College of Medicine at UTHSC
After a thorough nationwide search, Dr. Michael Hocker, MD, MHS, a distinguished academic physician and innovative educator, has been appointed the new Executive Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). His tenure will commence in July 2025, marking a significant leadership transition within one of Tennessee’s largest health education institutions.
Dr. Hocker’s Transformative Role at UTRGV
Currently, Dr. Hocker serves as the Dean and Chief Academic Officer at the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine. His leadership has been pivotal in attaining full accreditation for medical education programs from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). His vision includes expanding student body diversity through innovative combined degree programs, such as MD/PhD and MD/MBA pathways, aimed at producing future physician-scientists and skilled healthcare practitioners equipped for today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
A key component of his leadership at UTRGV has involved the establishment of a Graduate Medical Education (GME) consortium, introducing ten new residency and fellowship programs, totaling 250 positions. His focus on regional workforce development, with 60% of graduates remaining in the Rio Grande Valley, exemplifies his commitment to community service.
Building a Sustainable Clinical Practice Model
Under Dr. Hocker’s direction, UTRGV developed a clinical practice plan with structured governance, leading to a $156 million investment in the new UT Health RGV Cancer and Ambulatory Surgery Center, alongside facilities for radiology, laboratory services, and physical therapy. He also spearheaded the opening of a Human Genomics Center and an Institute of Neurosciences, further enhancing the school’s educational footprint.
Dr. Hocker expressed excitement about joining the UTHSC team, drawn by the university’s ambitious vision and significant impact across various campuses. His extensive academic and clinical experience positions him uniquely to lead the College of Medicine, which is the largest at UTHSC.
Vision for Excellence in Medical Education
As the incoming Dean, Dr. Hocker envisions a focus on education and the development of healthcare leaders. "Our mission will center around high-quality clinical care, advancing human health via research and education, and dedicated community service," he stated. Chancellor Peter Buckley remarked on Dr. Hocker’s inspirational leadership style, emphasizing his aptitude for mentoring and collaborative partnerships.
A Proven Leader in Medical Education
Dr. Hocker’s previous experiences include serving as Senior Associate Dean at the Medical College of Georgia, where he oversaw 51 residency programs while also being the vice chair for Emergency Medicine. His impressive career began at Duke University School of Medicine, where he helped launch a renowned emergency training program.
A former U.S. Navy flight surgeon, Dr. Hocker’s educational journey includes a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Colorado, a Master of Health Science in Clinical Leadership from Duke, and certifications in conflict resolution.
Philanthropic Engagement and Infrastructure Development
Dr. Hocker’s demonstrated proficiency in generating philanthropic support for medical institutions will be crucial as UTHSC prepares for its upcoming fundraising initiatives aimed at constructing a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building. This state-of-the-art facility aims to create a collaborative environment conducive to learning and research across various disciplines.
Leadership Transition and Future Directions in the College of Medicine
The College of Medicine has seen significant advancements under the interim leadership of Dr. G. Nicholas Verne. During his 20-month tenure, Dr. Verne successfully navigated the college through accreditations and contributed to record levels of student satisfaction and board exam results that surpassed national averages.
As UTHSC embraces a new strategic direction, the leadership team stands poised to advance its mission of training healthcare professionals for Tennessee and beyond. The recent achievement of R1 status from the Carnegie Classification further solidifies UTHSC’s position as a leading research institution.
Concluding Thoughts and Community Engagement
Chancellor Buckley expressed gratitude to those involved in the search process and underscored the institution’s commitment to community collaboration. The focus on building strong partnerships among faculty, staff, and local health systems positions UTHSC for continued growth and excellence in healthcare education.
With Dr. Hocker’s leadership on the horizon, UTHSC looks forward to an exciting future aimed at fostering innovative education, research breakthroughs, and enhanced healthcare services across Tennessee. As always, the community remains at the heart of the university’s mission, promising a brighter future for all.
For more information about UTHSC, you can visit their official website HERE.
