Assistant or Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration

Job Overview

The University of Dubuque is a growing faith-based University that is seeking an Assistant or Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration for the John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Position Summary:

The Assistant or Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration provides strategic leadership to ensure the osteopathic identity of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program is explicit, coherent, and consistently experienced across the curriculum and clinical learning environment at John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine (proposed, applicant seeking accreditation). This position leads the integration of Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) and osteopathic philosophy throughout preclinical and clinical education; supports the quality and consistency of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) instruction and assessment; and partners with faculty and clinical educators to reinforce person-centered, whole-person, and community-oriented care. The role supports accreditation readiness and continuous compliance with applicable standards (e.g., COCA) and contributes to student success and professional identity formation as developing osteopathic physicians.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the intentional integration of osteopathic philosophy, OPP, and clinical reasoning across the preclinical and clinical curriculum
• Collaborate with course and block leaders to embed osteopathic-relevant learning objectives, cases, and skills in foundational and clinical teaching
• Ensure horizontal and vertical integration of OMM/OPP content, including transitions from simulation/skills to clinical application
• Promote alignment of osteopathic integration with program competencies and outcomes (including COMLEX-related competencies, as appropriate)
• Oversee the quality, consistency, and continuous improvement of OMM/OPP instruction, including lab experiences and clinical correlation
• Establish and maintain assessment standards for osteopathic competencies (e.g., skills checklists, OSCE/clinical performance, professionalism and safety)
• Partner with assessment leadership to ensure valid, fair, and reliable evaluation processes, including remediation pathways for osteopathic skills
• Support faculty calibration to ensure consistent expectations and feedback across instructors and sites
• Develop and deliver faculty development that strengthens osteopathic integration, clinical teaching, feedback, and assessment
• Support clinical preceptors in reinforcing osteopathic principles during patient care and in evaluating osteopathic competencies
• Foster a culture of collaborative teaching excellence and continuous improvement centered on whole-person care
• Collaborate with Clinical Education leadership to promote osteopathic identity in clinical rotations and affiliated training sites
• Identify, develop, and support osteopathic-rich clinical learning experiences (including rural/community settings where appropriate)
• Partner on student preparation for clinical transitions (e.g., OMM application, documentation, communication, professionalism)
• Ensure osteopathic integration elements meet COCA expectations and are supported by clear documentation, curriculum maps, and outcomes evidence
• Participate in accreditation readiness activities, including narrative development, data review, and continuous compliance monitoring
• Contribute to academic policy development related to osteopathic competencies, OMM safety, professionalism, and progression
• Serve as a senior ambassador for the College's osteopathic identity in internal and external forums
• Collaborate with leaders across the COM and University to align osteopathic integration with institutional priorities
• Engage in scholarship, quality improvement, or educational innovation related to osteopathic education, as appropriate to rank and appointment
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the University's Mission

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to osteopathic philosophy and excellence in OMM/OPP teaching and clinical application
• Scholarly activity in osteopathic medical education, clinical practice innovation, or related quality improvement work
• Strong communication, collaboration, and change-management skills; ability to build alignment across disciplines and stakeholders
• Commitment to student-centered education, professionalism, and service to rural and underserved communities
• Experience developing competency-based assessment for psychomotor/clinical skills (e.g., OSCE design, rater calibration)
• Track record of faculty development, curriculum mapping, and integrated case-based or team-based learning

Qualifications:

• Doctorate Degree Required
• Experience in medical education leadership (e.g., course/block leadership, OMM/OPP leadership, curriculum integration, faculty development)
• Prior experience directing or coordinating OMM/OPP programs, labs, or clinical skills curricula
• Working knowledge of accreditation expectations relevant to osteopathic education (e.g., COCA) and continuous quality improvement practices

To apply with a growing faith-based University for the Assistant or Associate Dean of Osteopathic Integration for the John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine position, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and UD employment application, located on our website, to HR@dbq.edu or to the Director of Human Resources, at the University of Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Affirmation Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding the Jeanne Clery Act, please go to https://www.dbq.edu/SafetySecurity/JeanneCleryAct/