1. Maximize learner success statewide
Match Day 2024
The IU School of Medicine Class of 2024 matched 338 students with residency training programs in 39 states. About 44% of these graduates entered primary care residencies.
High student achievement and satisfaction rates
92% of graduates are satisfied with the quality of their education at IU School of Medicine — above the national average and trending upward. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) clerkship subject exam scores are also rising.
Medical Laboratory Scientist program expansion
The Medical Laboratory Scientist bachelor’s degree program expanded to the IU School of Medicine—Evansville regional campus. This is a response to the intensifying national shortage of medical laboratory scientists and is funded through a collaboration between the IU School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Deaconess Health System.
2. Accelerate discovery and clinical translation
Record research funding
IU School of Medicine recived $500 million in total research funding — a first in school history. IU now ranks No. 13 in NIH funding among all public medical schools in the nation.
Bill Gates at IU School of Medicine
IU’s team-based research in Alzheimer’s drew the attention of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his colleagues from Gates Ventures, who visited the IU School of Medicine in August.
$20 million gift for lung cancer research
The IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center has established the Tom and Julie Wood Center for Lung Cancer Research through a $20 million gift from the Wood family.
3. Improve health and wellness of the people of Indiana and beyond
Clinician Cluster Recruitment Initiative’s first cohort
The Clinician Cluster Recruitment Initiative aims to recruit and invest in highly qualified faculty clinicians whose lived experiences match those of patients from historically underrepresented populations. The first cohort launched this year, and participants will receive four years of holistic support and development.
$6 million gift for cardiovascular care and research
Sarah and John Lechleiter donated $6 million to support cardiovascular care, research and physician training. This is the largest single philanthropic gift ever shared by IU Health and the IU School of Medicine. The health system and medical school are collaborating to address cardiovascular disease as a public health threat that kills more Hoosiers than the next three causes of death combined. Among other initiatives, the gift will support development of a mobile cancer screening unit.
Medical care for Indy’s biggest sports events
- Indianapolis 500 — IU School of Medicine is home to the world’s first and only Motorsports Medicine Fellowship. Julia Vaizer, MD, the program’s first fellow, is now the program director and is the first female medical director for IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- Olympic Trials in Swimming — USA Swimming broke attendance records for the Olympic Trials in Indianapolis last July. Family Medicine Professor Stephen Hartsock, MD, served as medical director with a team from IU School of Medicine and IU Health.
- NFL Scouting Combine — Richard Kovacs, MD, leads cardiovascular screening for the annual NFL Scouting Combine, where more than 300 football players vie for spots in the NFL. The cardiology team is part of a larger group of IU physicians who evaluate everything from joints to neurological systems.
Staff Appreciation Day
The first IU School of Medicine Staff Appreciation Celebration was held in October with lawn games and fall festivities. Every member of the IU School of Medicine staff plays an important role in advancing the school’s missions.
New Leaders
- Michele Saysana, MD, Executive Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
- Bradley Allen MD, PhD, Interim Executive Associate Dean for Educational Affairs
- Melissa Kacena, PhD, Director, Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health
- John Lind, MD, MS, Chair, Department of Ophthalmology
- Clint Cary, MD, MPH, MBA, Chair, Department of Urology
- Kolawole “Kola” Okuyemi, MD, MPH, Chair, Department of Family Medicine
- Lisa Landrum, MD, PhD, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Looking to the Future
IU Health to adopt new electronic records system
After an extensive evaluation of electronic health record platforms, the IU Health Board of Directors approved EPIC as the new provider for the health system. Full implementation across the organization is expected to occur over the next two and a half years, with an anticipated launch for patient and provider use in mid-2027. The switch to EPIC will improve records access and patient care.
LCME to visit in March for reaccreditation
IU School of Medicine has been preparing for reaccreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Preparation has included self-assessments and data collection, as well as surveys of current and former medical students. The school has improved in many areas, including residency placement results, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores and pass rates, NBME clerkship subject exams, graduation rates and student satisfaction.
Medical Education and Research Building to open in 2025
The long-awaited Medical Education and Research Building will be ready to move into beginning in the summer of 2025. It is one of the biggest investments IU School of Medicine has made in creating space for students, staff and faculty to innovate. This $205 million, state-of-the-art building will have 11 floors and is strategically located with proximity to Goodman Hall, the new IU Health hospital, and the Capitol View building — enhancing collaboration. The Research Tower will create new laboratories, offices and laboratory support spaces on floors 8, 9 and 10. This space will facilitate recruitment of 18 to 20 new principal investigators in areas such as neurodegeneration and cancer.
