INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Marian University (www.marian.edu) announced today that Donald Sefcik, D.O. will serve as the Vice President of Health Professions and Dean of the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM). Dr. Sefcik will start March 1, 2016.
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In this newly created position, Dr. Sefcik will lead Marian University's growing list of healthcare-related programs, including its College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Leighton School of Nursing. Marian University announced in September 2015 the search for someone to fill this role, anticipating the planned retirements of Dr. Paul Evans, Vice President and Dean of MU-COM, and Anita Siccardi, Dean of the Leighton School of Nursing. Dr. Sefcik and Dr. Evans are expected to work together during a transitional period until Dr. Evans' planned retirement in May 2017. The university has not completed the search for a new dean for the Leighton School of Nursing.
Dr. Sefcik arrives at Marian University from Michigan State University, where he served as Senior Associate Dean for the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM). He previously held faculty positions with Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, Chicago College of Health Sciences of Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy of Midwestern University, and Butler University's College of Pharmacy. Dr. Sefcik began his academic career as an adjunct faculty member at Marian College's Department of Nursing. He earned his B.S. in Pharmacy from Butler University, a doctorate in osteopathic medicine (D.O.) from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, an M.S. in Pharmacology from Butler University, and an M.B.A. from Purdue University-Calumet.
"Marian University has established a clear direction for preparing leaders for all health professions. Given our long history in nursing – and our more recent success with the medical school – we are confident that we have a strong basis for increasing our ability to educate transformational leaders in healthcare for service to Indiana and the world," Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. "It is essential to have strong deans for the medical school and nursing programs who can collaborate not only with each other, but also with the faculty of our developing graduate programs in exercise science and biomedical science, to further expand Marian University's educational offerings in the health professions. In Dr. Sefcik, we have found an experienced and highly talented leader who will ensure the success of all of our healthcare-related programs, and their graduates."
Last fall, Marian University's College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its third class of students. There were more than 4,300 applicants – a record – for the 162 available seats in the class, and they represent the strongest class academically in the medical school's brief history, with undergraduate GPAs and MCAT scores that exceed national averages for osteopathic medical schools. The inaugural class of students, now in their third year, are currently in clinical training across the state.
About Marian University Indianapolis
Marian University (www.marian.edu), founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves a student body of nearly 3,000 through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana's 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide.
Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 32 national championships in cycling, and won the NAIA Football National Championship in 2012 and 2015.
About Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) in Indianapolis recognizes the power of the osteopathic medical philosophy, which treats the root cause of illness, not just symptoms, and promotes a lifetime of wellness. The program emphasizes osteopathic training in all areas of medicine, including primary care, through lifelong learning and scholarly activity delivered by a dynamic academic community.
Indiana's newest medical school welcomed the first class of medical students in August 2013. MU-COM combines the strengths of the osteopathic philosophy and Marian University's rich Franciscan history, making it one of only five medical schools at a Catholic university, and the only osteopathic medical school at a Catholic university, in the nation.
Contact: Mark Apple
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SOURCE Marian University
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