For a full breadth of information regarding committees at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, take a look at the SOMC Committees Handbook.
Committees Related to the University of South Carolina
Description: Formulates specific criteria for tenure and promotion of faculty members in SOM basic science departments, assesses candidates for tenure and/or promotion, and makes recommendations to the SOM Dean.
Chair: Elected by Members
Term of Office: Continuous
Meeting Frequency: As Required
Members: All tenured faculty members in SOM basic science departments.
Description: Formulates specific criteria for tenure and promotion of faculty members in SOM clinical departments, assesses candidates for tenure and/or promotion, and makes recommendations to the SOM Dean.
Chair: Elected by Members
Term of Office: Continuous
Meeting Frequency: As Required
Members: All tenured faculty members in SOM clinical departments.
Description: Formulates specific criteria for tenure and promotion of SOM medical librarians, assesses candidates for tenure and/or promotion, and makes recommendations to the SOM Dean.
Chair: Elected by Members
Term of Office: Continuous
Meeting Frequency: As Required
Members: All tenured medical librarians in the SOM medical library.
Committees Related Directly to the Office of the Dean
Description: Coordinates the process of nomination and election of faculty members to SOM committees; advises the Dean on the appointment of faculty members to SOM and University committees; advises the Dean on the number and purpose of SOM committees and subcommittees; and clarifies, with elected and appointed committee chairs, the charges for each SOM committee and subcommittee; addresses with the Dean all matters referred to it by faculty members; and assists the Dean in obtaining faculty members’ input into decision making.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year staggered terms; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: At least once annually in June and additional meetings as required
Members:
2 elected basic science faculty members:
Brandon Busbee, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2021-2024
James Catroppo, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2021-2024
2 elected clinical faculty members:
Renu Pokarna, Neurology, 2021-2024
Trey Brown, Pediatrics, 2022-2025
2 faculty members elected at large:
Donna Ray, Medical Education, 2023-2026
David Mott, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026
2 faculty members appointed by the Dean:
Erika Blanck, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2022-2025
Norma Frizzell, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2022-2025
1 faculty member appointed by the Dean from the Florence Regional Campus
Wade Lamb, 2022-2025
Interim Dean: Gerald Harmon
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: J. T. Thornhill
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education: Frank Spinale
Assistant Dean for Executive Affairs: Ruth Riley
Representative from the Columbia VA Health Care System: Michael Ryan
Description: Advises the Dean about administration of the SOM.
Chair: Dean
Term of Office: All positions are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Monthly
Members:
Executive Dean: Les Hall (Chair)
Chairs of all departments:
Wayne Carver, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Jamee Steen, Family and Preventive Medicine
Sharon Weissman Internal Medicine
Souvik Sen, Neurology
Meera Narasimhan, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science
Berry Campbell, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Chris Mazoue’, Orthopedic Surgery
Mitzi Nagarkatti, Pathology and Microbiology
Caughman Taylor, Pediatrics
Marlene Wilson, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Tripp Bell, Radiology
Amy Hildreth, Surgery
Kevin Bennett, Translational and Clinical Science
1 member appointed from the Florence Regional Campus:
Ed Behling, 2022-2025
3 members elected from the FRC, 2 of whom should be from basic science departments:
Erika Blanck, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2022-2025
Trey Brown, Pediatrics, 2022-2025
Norma Frizzell, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2022-2025
Faculty Senator Representative from the SOM (selected from among all SOM faculty senators by their vote): Fiona Hollis
Associate Deans: J. T. Thornhill, Frank Spinale, Eric Williams, Carol Nichols, Chuck Carter, Matt Orr; Alan Sechtin;
Assistant Deans: Falicia Harvey, Robert Rhinehart, Brian Keisler, Ruth Riley, Derek Payne, Lindsie Cone, James Cook
Director, Cardiovascular Research Center: Clinton Webb
Director of Educational Program Assessment and Quality Improvement: Mary Foertsch
Director of Human Resources: Susan Herndon
Director of Employee Development and Special Projects: Carla Harkness
Director, Legal Affairs: Craig Stanley
Columbia VA Health Care System ACOS for Education: James McCallum
Executive Director of Advancement: Kim Riggi
Director of Alumni Engagement and External Affairs: Holly Jefferson
Director of Communications and Marketing: Emily Miles
Academic Program Manager/Director of Reporting and Analysis: Gloria Johnson
USC Chief Operating Officer: Jeff Perkins
Subcommittee:
Description: Assesses and monitors the overall culture and climate within the SOM and recommends organizational strategies, policies, and practices that will enable a diverse, welcoming, and supportive working/learning environment that embodies the SOM values and builds a culture of civility, professionalism, inclusion and wellbeing. Reports through the SOMC Executive Committee. The Staff Council Subcommittee reports through the Culture and Climate Committee.
Chair: Faculty member appointed by the Dean
Co-Chair: Staff member appointed by the Dean
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms
Meeting Frequency: As Needed
Members:
6 elected faculty members (at a minimum 1 tenure-track faculty member, 1 basic science professional-track faculty member, and 1 clinical professional-track faculty member
Tenure-Track Faculty
Ana Pocivavsek, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2021-2025 (Chair)
Kandy Velazquez, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2021-2024
Cameron McCarthy, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2023-2024
Basic Science Professional-Track Faculty
Erika Blanck, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2023-2026
Clinical Professional-Track Faculty
Andrew Vaughan, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2021-2025
Taryn Richardson, Rehabilitation Counseling, 2023-2026
Morgan Rhodes, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2023-2026
4 staff members appointed by the Dean:
Shantia Muller, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Whitney Easaw, Human Resources
Heather Willingham, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Jessica Burchett, Research and Graduate Education
Medical Students: Coming Soon
Graduate Student: Coming Soon
Post-doctoral Fellow: Coming Soon
Resident: Coming Soon
Strategic Advisor: Matt Orr, Continuous Professional Development and Strategic Affairs (ex officio)
Employee Development: Carla Harkness
Director of Communications: Emily Milles
Staff Council Chair: Coming Soon
Subcommittee:
Learn more about the Staff Council.
Description: Reporting through the Culture and Climate Committee, the purpose of the Staff Council is to provide SOM staff with a formal representative body to ensure that their voice and interests are engaged and inform decisions and actions affecting the SOM workplace environment. The Staff Council provides a forum which facilitates inclusive communication and discussion of issues critical to the SOM staff experience.
Chair: Appointed by the Culture and Climate Committee with Approval from the Dean
Term of Office: Open
Meeting Frequency: Monthly
Members:
Gene Palmer, Office of Information Technology
Robbin Smith, Family and Preventive Medicine
Samantha White, Research Center for Transforming Health
Jon Crain, Facilities
Betty Phillips, Library
Andrenette Hudley, Cardiovascular Translational Research Center
Nicole Holt, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
Description: Advises the Dean about issues related to the basic sciences in the SOM.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: All positions are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Quarterly
Members:
Executive Dean: Les Hall (Chair)
Chairs of all basic science departments:
Wayne Carver, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Mitzi Nagarkatti, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
Marlene Wilson, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education: Frank Spinale
Assistant Dean for Preclinical Curriculum: Falicia Harvey
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education: Carol Nichols
Director of the Instrumentation Resource Facility: Bob Price
Director of the CV Translational Research Center: Clinton Webb
Associate Chief of Staff for Research, Columbia VA Medical Center: Michael Ryan
Description: Advises the Dean on issues related to biomedical engineering in the SOM.
Chair: Elected by members every two years
Term of Office: No term limit
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
Faculty who have a research interest in biomedical engineering or who participate in the Biomedical Engineering Program.
Clinton Webb, Cell Biology and Anatomy/Cardiovascular Center
Jay Potts, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Bob Price, Cell Biology and Anatomy
David Mott, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Mark Uline, Biomedical Engineering
Jason Kubinak, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education: Paul Torriello
Description: Advises the Dean about the academic standing of medical students enrolled in the SOM.
Chair: Elected by members annually in June
Term of Office: All positions are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Twice a year in May and December and additional meetings as required
Members:
Chairs of all departments:
Wayne Carver, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Jamee Steen, Chair, Family and Preventive Medicine
Sharon Weissman, Interim Chair, Internal Medicine
Mitzi Nagarkatti, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
Souvik Sen, Neurology
Meera Narasimhan, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science
Berry Campbell, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Jack Wells, Ophthalmology
Chris Mazoue’, Orthopedic Surgery
Caughman Taylor, Pediatrics
Marlene Wilson, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Tripp Bell, Radiology (Chair)
Amy Gilbreth, Surgery
Kevin Bennett, Translational and Clinical Science
3 faculty members elected from the FRC, 2 of whom should be from basic science departments:
Erika Blanck, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2022-2025
Trey Brown, Pediatrics, 2022-2025
Norma Frizzell, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2022-2025
Staffed by Associate Dean for Student Affairs: Eric Williams
Ex officio non-voting member: Coming Soon
Subcommittees:
Description: Makes recommendations for consideration by the Student Promotions Committee regarding the academic standing of medical students enrolled in the SOM.
Chair: Chair of Student Promotions Committee
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty members; Chair is ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Twice a year in May and December and additional meetings as required
Members:
4 elected faculty members:
Andrew Vaughan, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2021-2024
James Stallworth, Pediatrics, 2021-2024
Ben Hawfield, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2023-2026
Kaustubh Joshi, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, 2023-2026
Student Promotions Committee Chair: Tripp Bell
Consultant: Director of Legal Affairs: Craig Stanley
Staffed by Associate Dean for Student Affairs: Eric Williams
Description: Encourages the students of the USC SOM to uphold the highest standards of integrity; informs the students of the USC SOM of the expectations set forth by the written Honor Code; informs the students of the USC SOM of the process of the Honor Council; and serves as a pool of hearing panel members for the Honor Council.
Chair: Nicholas Harris
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty advisors; 1 year for Chair (Always an M-II)
Meeting Frequency: As needed
Members:
2 faculty advisors appointed by the Dean:
Tisha Boston, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2021-2024
Lisa Myrick, PA Program, 2023-2026
Medical Students:
2026
Yvonne Shametaj
Hannah Gandy
Gabriella Gee
Daniel Jeraki
2025
Andrew Neilson
Paul McQuillen, Chair 2022-2023
Sheldon Carpenter
2024
Joseph Henry
James Pratt
Sophia Papelis
Madisyn Currie
Alexis Clark
Florence Regional Campus
Kylie Truong (2025)
MaryKathryn McGregor (2025)
Graduate Students
Alina Latifullina (PA)
Emily Waigi (CBA)
Tyler Cox (PPN)
Denise Kelly (RC)
Brynn Belland (NA)
Mary Elise Nolen (GC)
Description: Responsible for the maintenance of academic excellence in the SOM, establishes criteria for determination of satisfactory academic performance for promotion and graduation of medical students; establishes consistent standards for methods of assessing quality, assigning grades, and correcting academic deficiencies of medical students.
Chair: Dean
Term of Office: 3-year staggered terms for faculty members and 1-yar terms for medical students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Twice a year and additional meetings as required
Members:
Dean: Gerald Harmon (Chair)
5 elected faculty members:
Jodi Dingle, Pediatrics, 2021-2024
Reilly Enos, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2021-2024
Joanna Appel, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2022-2025
Ron Wells, Pediatrics, 2023-2026
Aaron Jasnow, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026
Medical Students:
Will Kelly, MIV
Nathan Delahunty, MIV
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education: Carol Nichols
Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum and Assessment: Brian Keisler
Registrar: Robert Rhinehart
Director of Program Assessment and Quality Improvement: Mary Foertsch
Staffed by Assistant Dean for Preclinical Curriculum: Falicia Harvey
Subcommittee
Description: Hears, assesses, and decides upon requests from faculty members for grade changes for medical students in courses, clerkships, and electives.
Chair: Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education
Term of Office: 3 -year terms for faculty members; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
1 faculty member of the Academic Standards Committee selected by Academic Standards Committee members as the representative to the Grade Change Subcommittee: Wenbin Tan
3 elected faculty members:
Kaustubh Joshi, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, 2022-2025
Mary Foertsch, Academic Affairs, 2022-2025
Norma Frizzell, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026
Staffed by Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar: Robert Rhinehart (Chair)
Learn more about the Women in Science and Medicine Committee.
Description: Advises the Dean on issues related to women students, faculty, and staff of the SOM.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty and staff members and 1-year terms for graduate and medical students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Monthly
Members:
2 elected faculty members from basic science departments:
Carole Oskeritzian, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2021-2024
Christine Wheeler, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2021-2024
3 elected faculty members from clinical departments:
Megan Weis, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2021-2025
Bandana Paudyal-Nepal, Pediatrics, 2022-2025
Nirupama Anne, Surgery, 2023-2026
2 representatives appointed by the Dean:
Zoe Foster, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2023-2026
Mary Foertsch, Academic Affairs, 2023-2026
2 SOM alumni/ae appointed by the Dean:
Suchita Pancholi, Internal Medicine, 2022-2025
Stephanie Paolini, Neurology, 2023-2026
2 SOM non-faculty staff members appointed by the Dean:
Natalie Hawkins, Surgery, 2022-2025
Kim Riggi, Development, 2023-2024
Medical Students:
Kathryn Rathke, MII
Katharine Storo, MIV
PA Students: Coming Soon
Graduate Students: Coming Soon
SOM's AAMC Women's Liason Officer serve as ex officio, non-voting member: Jennifer Hicks
Description: Evaluates the curriculum vitae and application materials for candidates requesting appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor level or promotion to the Associate Professor of Professor level and recommends to the Dean the appropriate faculty rank for the candidate.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms
Meeting Frequency: As Required
Members: Associate Professor or Professor (non-tenure track) from each basic science department appointed by the Faculty Representation Committee; Professor (tenure track or non-tenure track) from each basic science department appointed by the Department Chair
Faculty members appointed by the Faculty Representation Committee
James Catroppo, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2022-2025
Kevin LeBlanc, Nurse Anesthesia Program, 2022-2025
Britt Wilson, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026 (Chair)
Jack Goldsmith, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2023-2026
Faculty members appointed by the Department Chair
Ioulia Chatzistamou Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2022-2026
Erika Blanck, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2023-2026
Claudia Grillo, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026
Description: evaluates the curriculum vitae and application materials for candidates requesting appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor level or promotion to the Associate Professor of Professor level and recommends to the Dean the appropriate faculty rank for the candidate.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year staggered terms for departments with more than one full professor
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
Associate Professor or Professor (non-tenure track) appointed by the Department Chair from each clinical department
Chuck Carter, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2021-2024
Jeff Guy, Orthopedic Surgery, 2022-2025
Jesse Clanton, Surgery, 2022-2025
Kaustubh Joshi, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, 2022-2025
Swamy Venkatesh, Neurology, 2022-2025
David Rotholz, Pediatrics, 2022-2025 (Chair)
Mary Beth Poston, Internal Medicine, 2023-2026
Berry Campbell, Obstetrics and Gynecology (temporarily)
William Hester, Florence Regional Campus
Description: Addresses situations when outside financial interests may overlap or conflict with their activities at the USC SOM and manage compliance with University, SOM, and national policies regarding intellectual or financial conflicts of interest. The committee will provide oversight for recognizing the importance of the research and educational missions to the University and acknowledge that it is enhanced when members of the University community interact with other groups and organizations, including businesses, government entities, not-for-profit groups, professional societies, and other academic institutions, and reasonably address potential conflicts of interest.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for appointed faculty members; all other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As needed. Since the group meets via email and most issues are clinical, most of the COI questions get sent to the Medical Group, which has some overlap with the SOM. If there is COI question that is strictly SOM, then it will be sent to the SOM Conflict of Interest Committee.
Members:
2 faculty members from clinical departments appointed by the Dean after consultation with the FRC:
Kaustubh Joshi, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, 2022-2025
Cory Jones, Pediatrics, 2022-2025
2 faculty members from a basic science department appointed by the Dean after consultation with the FRC:
Deepak Bhere, Pathology, Microbiology, Immunology 2022-2025
Frank Spinale, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2022-2025
Director of Legal Affairs: Craig Stanley
Associate Dean for Continuous Professional Development and Strategic Affairs: Matt Orr
Committees Related to the Office of the Dean through the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education
Description: Establishes application/admissions policies and procedures for the SOM; evaluates and recommends applicants for admission.
Chair: Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services
Term of Office: From one to three years at the pleasure of the Dean and Chair of the Admissions Committee and 1-year terms for medical students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Each Wednesday from 1:30-5:00 p.m. from mid-September until the end of March. Committee members are expected to attend at least 75% of the meetings. For the 2023-2024 academic year, committee meetings and interviews will be virtual.
Members:
Up to 24 members appointed by the Dean, 1 of which should be from the Florence Regional Campus
Ioulia Chatzistamou, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2023-2024
Christine Wheeler, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2023-2024
Kari-Claudia Allen, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2023-2024
Nirupama Anne, Surgery, 2023-2024
James McCallum, VA Representative, 2023-2024
Donald Wouri, Retired Faculty Member, 2023-2024
Myron Bell, Community Representative, 2023-2024
Nosizwe Sellers, Community Representative, 2023-2024
Hugh Wilcox, Lexington Medical Center, 2023-2024
Michelle Stanek, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2023-2024 (alternate)
Roz McConnaughy, Library, 2023-2024 (alternate
Tanya Dillihay, Retired Faculty Member, 2024-2025
Medical Students:
Lauren Ervin, MII
Greyson Fox Tran, MII
Alexis Clark, MIV
Andrew Delahunty, MIV
Carly Hammond, MIV (Florence Regional Campus)
Bryce Jerin, MIV
Brice Smoker, MIV
Brianna Tindal, MIV
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: J. T. Thornhill
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion: Robert Rhinehart
Director of Medical Student Recruitment: James Stallworth
Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar: Robert Rhinehart (Chair)
Description: Is responsible for the development of and oversight over the content, structure, and pedagogy of the curriculum leading to the M.D. degree and for ensuring that students learn the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for the successful practice of medicine.
Chair: Elected by members – 1-year basic science chair – Holly LaVoie (Chair)
Chair Elect: 2-year clinical science chair-elect – Andy Sides (Chair Elect)
Term of Office: 3-year (see above for new terms) staggered terms for faculty members and 1-year terms for medical students; other members and consultants are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Monthly
Members:
1 faculty member from each clinical department, 2 faculty members from each basic science department, and 1 faculty member from the Florence Regional Campus.
Tripp Bell, Radiology (2023-2026)
Souvik Sen, Neurology, 2021-2024
Ioulia Chatzistamou, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2021-2024
Dan Brown, Pediatrics, 2021-2024
Alexa Gandy, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2022-2025
Andrew Vaughn, Family and Preventive Medicine 2022-2025
James Cook, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2022-2025
Michael Moran, Surgery, 2022-2025
John Walsh, Orthopedic Surgery, 2022-2025
Marwan Elya, Florence Regional Campus, 2022-2025
Courtney Sanchez, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science 2023-2026
Andy Sides, Internal Medicine, 2023-2026
Erika Blanck, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2023-2026
Holly LaVoie, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2023-2026
Britt Wilson, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026
Jim Fadel, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026
Kevin Bennett, Translational and Clinical Science, 2023-2026
Medical Students:
Matt Powell, MII
Kendal Stalls, MII
Ben Jacques, MIV
Rowan Brooks, MIV
Brittany Kelly, MIV (Florence Regional Campus)
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education: Coming Soon
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: J. T. Thornhill (non-voting)
Associate Dean for Medical Student Education (Florence): Alan Sechtin (non-voting)
Assistant Dean for Preclinical Curriculum: Falicia Harvey (non-voting)
Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum and Assessment: Brian Keisler (non-voting)
Consultants:
Director Faculty Development: Donna Ray
Associate Dean for Student Affairs: Eric Williams
Director of Library Services: Ruth Riley
Assistant Dean for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer: Lindsie Cone
Director of Enrollment Services and Registrar: Robert Rhinehart
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion: Robert Rhinehart
GME Director of Learning and Development: Renee Connolly
Director of Educational Program Assessment and Quality Improvement: Mary Foertsch
Staffed by Administrative Coordinator, Office of Curricular Affairs and Media Resources: Amorita McClam
Subcommittees
Description: Responsible for the periodic review and update of all required M-I and M-II courses.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 1-year terms for faculty members and 1-year terms for medicl students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Called at the discretion of the chair or at the direction of the chair of the Curriculum Committee
Members:
At least 4 faculty members appointed by the Curriculum Committee Chair from a roster of basic science and clinical Curriculum Committee members who have expressed interest in this subcommittee:
Erika Blanck
James Catroppo
Ioulia Chatzistamou
Lindsie Cone
James Cook
Jim Fadel (Chair)
Alexa Gandy
Edie Goldsmith
Holly LaVoie
Larry Reagan
Britt Wilson
Medical Students:
M-II – Matthew Powell
M-II – Kendall Stalls
M-IV – Rowan Brooks
Assistant Dean for Preclinical Curriculum: Falicia Harvey (ex officio)
Course Directors (ex officio)
Representation from both basic science and clinical departments is essential; the subcommittee may also invite as members other faculty members who are not Curriculum Committee members. With the approval of the Subcommittee chair, minutes will be taken and distributed by the Assistant Dean for Preclinical Curriculum.
Description: Responsible for the periodic reviwe and update of all required M-III and M-IV courses.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 1-year, terms for faculty members and 1-year terms for medical students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Called at the discretion of the chair or at the direction of the chair of the Curriculum Committee
Members:
At least 4 faculty members appointed by the Curriculum Committee Chair from a roster of basic science and clinical Curriculum Committee members who have expressed interest in this subcommittee:
Tripp Bell
Dan Brown
Renee Connolly
Courtney Sanchez
Michael Moran
Phillip Prest
Souvik Sen
Andrew Vaughan (Chair)
Andrew Sides
Marwan Elya
James Stallworth
Medical Students:
M-IV – Benjamin Jacques
M-IV - Brittany Kelly
Associate Dean for Medical Education (Florence): Alan Sechtin (ex officio)
Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum and Assessment: Brian Keisler (ex officio)
Clerkship Directors (ex officio)
Representation from both basic science and clinical departments is essential; the subcommittee may also invite as members other faculty members who are not Curriculum Committee members. With the approval of the Subcommittee chair, minutes will be taken and distributed by the Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum.
Description: Perform, under the supervision of the Curriculum Committee, periodic reviews and assessments of distributed curricula for medical students. Make reports and recommendations, based upon the findings of the periodic reviews and assessments of distributed curricula, to the Curriculum Committee. Review elements of the curriculum that span both pre-clinical and clinical learning environments and identify them as distributed curricula.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 1-year terms for faculty members; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Called at the discretion of the chair or at the direction of the chair of the Curriculum Committee
Members
John Walsh
Donna Ray
Robert Rhinehart
Eric Williams
Alexa Gandy
Renee Connolly
Medical Students:
M-II – Matthew Powell
M-IV – Brittany Kelly
Ex Officio Voting Members
James Cook – Health Systems Science
Christopher Gainey – Evidence in Medicine (ACE)
Chris Goodman – Health and Society
Ashley Jones – Screening and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Tripp Bell – Integrated Ultrasound
Brian Keisler – Interprofessional Education
Ben Thompson – Ethics and Professionalism
Christa Demment-Gonzalez – Nutrition
Description: Responsible for serving as consultants for assessment projects and otherwise serving as leaders to support a culture of assessment throughout the SOM; regularly reviewing SOM assessment policies and procedures and recommending improvements to the SOM Curriculum Committee supporting SOM assessors with information and resources, including technology recommendations, to maintain and carry out assessment plans--this includes recommending or providing assistance in the development of specific assessments of student learning outcomes.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: The other 3 standing subcommittees of the Curriculum Committee have Chairs elected at the beginning of the academic year who serve 1-year terms and whose terms will be extended if they are the subcommittee chair for multiple years. The medical student will serve a 1-year term. The assistant deans and director of program assessment are ex officio.
Meeting Frequency: Called at the discretion of the chair or at the direction of the chair of the Curriculum Committee.
Members:
Chairs of the subcommittees:
Renee Connolly
Mary Foertsch (Chair)
Jim Fadel – Chair, MI/MII Subcommittee
Andrew Vaughan – Chair MIII/MIV Subcommittee
TBD – Chair, Distributed Curriculum Subcommittee
Medical Students:
M-II – Kendall Stalls
M-IV – Benjamin Jacques
Associate Dean for Medical Student Education-Florence: Alan Sechtin (ex officio)
Assistant Dean for Preclinical Curriculum: Falicia Harvey (ex officio)
Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum and Assessment: Brian Keisler (ex officio)
Description: Oversees all of the Graduate Programs in the SOM. Establishes policies and procedures for the graduate programs consistent with USC and SOM guidelines.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: All members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
All directors of SOM graduate programs:
Edie Goldsmith, Biomedical Science Graduate Program
Kevin LeBlanc, Nurse Anesthesia Graduate Program
Christine Sacco-Bene, Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program
Janice Edwards, Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
Rita Dixon, Physician Assistant Graduate Program
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education: Frank Spinale
Description: Develops and oversees the content, structure, and pedagogy of the curriculum leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences degrees and for ensuring that students have solid knowledge and skills in biomedical sciences. Ensures that program requirements are met by departments, research focus groups, and students.
Chair: Director for Biomedical Science Granduate Programs
Term of Office: All faculty members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
Biomedical Science Graduate Program Director: Edie Goldsmith
2 appointed representatives from each basic science department:
Mohamad Azhar, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Angela Murphy, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
Jason Kubinak, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
David Mott, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Claudia Grillo, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Camilla Wenceslau, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education: Frank Spinale
Health Professional Sciences Concentration Director: Ioulia Chatzistamou
Applied Biotech Concentration Director: Bob Price
Description: Reviews applications for admissions to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences first-year program.
Chair: Biomedical Science Graduate Program Director
Term of Office: All faculty members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
Biomedical Science Graduate Program Director: Edie Goldsmith
1 appointed representative from each of the following departments/schools:
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry: Wayne Outten
Department of Biological Sciences: David Reisman
Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences: Doug Pittman
SOM Basic Science Department: David Mott
Description: Establishes policies and procedures for the Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program consistent with USC and SOM guidelines. Ensures that program requirements are met.
Chair: Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program Director
Term of Office: All faculty members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Twice per year and additional meetings as required
Members:
Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program: Director: Kevin LeBlanc (Chair)
Assistant Program Director – Columbia Site: Catherine Gutshall
Assistant Program Director – Greenville Site: Richard Wilson
Faculty of Graduate Nurse Anesthesia Program: Tab King and Marc Benz
Nurse Anesthesia Program Clinical Coordinator (Columbia): Catherine Rhea
Description: Evaluates applications, interviews potential candidates, and makes recommendations for admission to the Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia in accordance with University policy.
Chair: Nurse Anesthesia faculty member appointed by the program director
Term of Office: 2 years
Meeting Frequency: During admissions cycle, typically 6 interview days in early November
Members:
Program Director: Kevin LeBlanc
5 appointed faculty members:
Richard Wilson
Catherine Rhea
Sheena Morris
Winston King
Catherine Gutshall
Description: Evaluates, discusses, and makes recommendations regarding the didactic and clinical curriculum. It is a major component of the Continuous Self-Assessment Plan to determine purposeful change and needed improvement.
Chair: Nurse Anesthesia faculty member appointed by the program director
Term of Office: 2 years
Meeting Frequency: 3 times per year; meeting typically occurs at the end of each semester
Members:
Program Director: Kevin LeBlanc
5 appointed faculty members:
Catherine Gutshall (Chair)
Catherine Rhea
Sheena Morris
Winston King
Richard Wilson
1 elected faculty member:
Pamela Wilson, PA Program, 2023-2025
Description: Establishes policies and procedures for the Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Program consistent with USC and SOM guidelines. Ensures that program requirements are met.
Chair: Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program coordinator
Term of Office: All faculty members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
Academic Director of Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program: Christine Sacco-Bene, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science (Chair)
3 appointed faculty members:
Michael Walsh, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science
Robert Dawson, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science
David Leach, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science
Description: Establishes policies and procedures for the Biomedical Science Graduate Genetic Counseling Program consistent with USC and SOM guidelines. Ensures that program requirements are met.
Chair: Genetic Counseling graduate program director
Term of Office: All faculty members are ex xofficio
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
Program Director: Whitney Dobek (Chair)
4 appointed faculty members:
Richard Ferrante, Research Professor Pediatrics
Whitney Dobek, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Amy Wardyn, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Jessica Fairey, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Description: Establishes policies and procedures for the Physician Assistant Program consistent with USC and SOM guidelines. Ensures that program requirements are met.
Chair: Physician Assistant program director
Term of Office: All faculty are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
Program Director: Rita Dixon
4 appointed faculty members:
Pamela Wilson, Director of Didactic Education
Lisa Myrick, Director of Clinical Education
James Stallworth, PA Program Medical Director
Frank Spinale, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education
Description: Interviews and selects Physician Assistant program applicants.
Chair: Physician Assistant graduate programs admissions director
Term of Office: 2 years
Meeting Frequency: Interviews are held over one week, typically in September
Members:
Physician Assistant Program Director: Rita Dixon
Program Faculty:
Kirby Cranford (Chair)
Pamela Wilson
Annette Rauch
Lisa Myrick
Jackie Smith
2 elected faculty members:
Jeanette Fulton, Radiology, 2023-2025
Megan Stetson, Surgery, 2023-2025
1 Physician Assistant Program Staff Member: Tracey Goldson
1 Physician Assistant Program Alum or Community PA: appointed by the committee
Description: Evaluates student academic and professional progress and makes recommendations for action to the program director.
Chair: Physician Assistant program medical director
Term of Office: 2 years
Meeting Frequency: As needed, typically meet more often during the Spring semester
Members:
Physician Assistant Program Director: Rita Dixon
Program Faculty:
Kirby Cranford
Pamela Wilson
Annette Rauch
Lisa Myrick
Jackie Smith
1 elected faculty member: Rebekah Blankenship, Pediatrics, 2023-2025
Physician Assistant Program Medical Director: James Stallworth
Description: Makes recommendations to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education regarding leaves of absence from the SOM for medical students.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty members
Meeting Frequency: As required
Members:
4 elected faculty members:
Garrett Helms, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2022-2025
Karen McMullen, Library,2022-2025 (Chair)
Matthew Khayata, Pediatrics, 2023-2026
Renu Pokharna, Neurology, 2023-2026
1 appointed faculty member in the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science: Christine Sacco-Bene, Rehabilitation Counseling, 2022-2025
Staffed by Associate Dean for Student Affairs: Eric Williams
Description: Awards all SOM scholarships and awards all long-term loans administered by the SOM.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty members and 1-year terms for medical students; other members and consultants are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Twice a year in the Spring and Fall semesters
Members:
5 elected faculty members:
Joseph McQuail, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2021-2024
Donna Ray, Internal Medicine, 2021-2024
Brandon Busbee, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2022-2025
Ron Wells, Pediatrics, 2023-2026
Dan Foster, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026
Medical Students:
Hannah Gandy, MII
Kim Perry, MII
Zack Provenzano, MIV
Shane Weatherford, MIV
Consultants:
Bank of America Representative: Pam Carroll
Douglas Scholarship Representative: Claude Smith
Cantey Scholarship Representative: William Cantey
Educational Foundation Representative: Susan Butler
Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance: Derek Payne
Office of Admissions Representative: Robert Rhinehart
Staffed by Associate Dean for Student Affairs: Eric Williams and Assistant Director of Student Affairs/Financial Aid: Jerel Arceneaux
Description: Works with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs to advocate for, promote, and implement opportunities in order to improve the culture and collaboration among all USC SOMC students and enhance the student experience. The Student Services Committee strives to preserve and promote students’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive wellness. Tasks of the committee include, but are not limited to, awarding travel grants; choosing recipients of select annual SOMC M.D. student awards; and hearing appeals regarding student assignment to the Florence program.
Chair: Associate Dean for Student Affairs Columbia
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty members and 1-year terms for medical students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As needed or twice a year in the Spring and Fall semesters
Members:
5 elected faculty members:
Christine Sacco-Bene, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, 2021-2024
Julie Anderson, Pediatrics, 2022-2025
Edie Goldsmith, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2022-2025
Victor Jenkinson, Library, 2022-2025
Lisa Myrick, PA Program, 2022-2025
Medical Students:
Courtney Brown, MII
Emma Gray, MIV
Graduate Students:
Melissa Milligan – Rehabilitation Counseling
Emily Waigi – Biomedical Science
Associate Dean for Student Affairs: Eric Williams (Chair)
Graduate Programs Staff Liaison: Brianna Newton
Assistant Director of Student and Career Services/Financial Aid: Jerel Arceneaux
Consultant: Assistant Director for Alumni and Student Engagement: Paige Stiles
Committees Related to te Office of the Dean through the Office of Administration and Finance
Description: Serves in an advisory capacity to the school’s financial and academic leaders regarding financial and budgetary issues. This committee will serve as a liaison between the unit administration and the faculty on matters pertaining to the SOMC budget, advocating for faculty priorities on matters of budget and budgetary policy, and providing a venue for discussing faculty questions and concerns about the SOMC budget and budgeting process. This committee will support the key role that chairs and directors play in the school’s budget decision making.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: The faculty member receiving the highest number of votes in each of the three categories will serve a three-year term. For tenured/tenure track and professional track faculty categories, the faculty members who receive the second most votes will serve an initial two-year term. Following the initial terms, all terms will be for three years.
Meeting Frequency: At least quarterly
Members:
2 elected tenure-track or tenured faculty members:
Susan Wood, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026
Reilly Enos, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2023-2025
2 elected professional-track faculty members:
Jeff Hall, Family and Preventive Medicine, 2023-2026
Rita Dixon, PA Program, 2023-2025
1 elected librarian: Roz McConnaughy, Library, 2023-2026
Interim Dean: Gerald Harmon
Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance: Derek Payne
Director of Reporting and Analysis: Gloria Johnson
Committees Related to the Health and Safety of SOM Faculty, Students and Staff
Description: Coordinates and promotes wellness activities for SOM faculty, staff, and students.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty and staff members, 1-year terms for medical and graduate students
Meeting Frequency: 6 times per year
Members:
2 elected faculty members:
Brandon Busbee, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2022-2024
Kandy Velazquez, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2022-2025
1 appointed faculty member:
Ben Hawfield, Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2022-2025
3 non-faculty SOM staff members appointed by the Dean:
Cameron Holbrook, Student Success and Wellness Center, 2021-2024
Jon Crain, Facilities, 2023-2026
Nikita Stanley, Student Services, 2023-2026
Medical Students:
Adam Beall, MII
Kate Gregory, MII
Jack Cassell, MIV
Graduate Students:
Melissa Milligan – Rehabilitation Counseling
Hayden Petee – Rehabilitation Counseling
Erica Hoyer – Rehabilitation Counseling
Cinnamon Kiser – Biomedical Science
Emily Walliser – Biomedical Science
Director of the Student Success and Wellness Center: Falicia Harvey (ex officio)
Committees Related to the Office of the Dean through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Description: Plans and implement means of increasing the number of students from groups underrepresented in the medical profession who are prepared for, recruited to, matriculate at, and graduate from the SOM and who continue their training in residency programs available throughout the state of South Carolina and plans and implements means of increasing the number of under-represented minority faculty in the SOM.
Chair: Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty members, alumni, and HBCU, community, and AHEC representatives; 1-year terms for medical students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: As needed
Members:
1 clinical faculty member appointed by the Dean after consultation with the Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion: Sunita Paudyal, Internal Medicine, 2022-2025
1 basic science faculty member appointed by the Dean after consultation with the Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion: Ioulia Chatzistamou, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology 2022-2025
2 minority SOM alumni/ae appointed by the Dean:
Crystal Johnson
Cedric Rivers
1 representative of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) appointed by the Dean: Karen Rutherford, Benedict College
1 community representative appointed by the Dean: Everett Dargan
1 representative of the SC Area Health Education Consortium: Angelica Christie
Medical Students:
Brook Turpeau MII
Adam Stafford, MIV (Florence Regional Campus)
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion: Robert Rhinehart (Chair
Committees Related to the Office of the Dean through the Medical Library
Description: Advises Director of Library Services on policy matters, especially relating to the collection and staffing of the Medical Library.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty members and 1-year terms for graduate and medical students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Twice per year and as needed
Members:
7 elected faculty members:
Juan Camps, Surgery, 2021-2024
Robert Dawson, Rehabilitation Counseling, 2022-2025
Emily Lowell, Pediatrics, 2022-2025
Manoj Nepal, Pediatrics, 2022-2025
Christine Wheeler, Pathology Microbiology, and Immunology 2022-2025
Kirby Cranford, PA Program, 2023-2026
James Catroppo, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
Medical Students:
Mattie Jo Thomas, MII
Jessica Bastin, MIV
Graduate Students:
Christian Wohlfeld
Director of Library Services: Ruth Riley
Assistant Dean for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer: Lindsie Cone (ex officio)
Committee Related to the Office of the Dean through the Office of Information Technology
Description: Advises the Assistant Dean for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer on policy matters, especially relating to computer needs of students and faculty as they relate to educational programs and research activities and to the structure and function of the SOM computer network and communication systems.
Chair: Elected by members
Term of Office: 3-year, staggered terms for faculty members and 1-year terms for medical students; other members are ex officio
Meeting Frequency: Twice per year and as needed
Members:
5 elected faculty members:
Eric Williams, Medical Education and Academic Affairs, 2021-2024
Brandon Busbee, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2021-2024
Scott Carney, Pediatrics, 2021-2024
Joe McQuail, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience 2023-2026
Robert Dawson, Rehabilitation Counseling, 2023-2026
Medical Students:
Allen Khodab, MII
Gannett Loftus, MII
Paige Leonhardt, MIV (Florence Regional Campus)
Eric Murphy, MIV
Assistant Dean for Preclinical Curriculum: Falicia Harvey
Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum and Assessment: Brian Keisler
Assistant Dean for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer: Lindsie Cone
Manager of Computer Resources: Robert Watson
Director of Library Services: Ruth Riley (ex officio)
Faculty Senate
Description: 5 SOM tenure-track faculty members and 3 clinical professional-track faculty members are elected to the USC Faculty Senate.
Chair: None
Term of Office: 3-year staggered terms
Meeting Frequency: Monthly
Members:
Fiona Hollis, Ph.D., Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2022-2025 (Tenure Track)
Clinton Webb, Ph.D., Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2022-2025 (Tenure Track)
Catherine McClung-Smith, M.D., Surgery, 2021-2024 (Clinical Professional Track)
Sharon Weissman, M.D. Internal Medicine, 2021-2024 (Clinical Professional Track)
T. Thornhill, M.D., Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, 2022-2025 (Clinical Professional Track)
Deepak Bhere, Ph.D., Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, 2023-2026 (Tenure Track)
Aaron Jasnow, Ph.D., Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026 (Tenure Track)
Joseph McQuail, Ph.D., Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, 2023-2026 (Tenure Track)