NEOMED president highlights University’s achievements and next steps

NEOMED President John Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., highlighted accomplishments achieved over the last five years and a vision for the future during a "State of the University" address on Monday, Aug. 25.

After briefly outlining the many challenges he faced when he accepted the job to lead NEOMED in 2019, Dr. Langell shared points of improvement and growth across the University since that time:

Academics

• The College of Medicine has seen a 24% increase in class size to 200, coupled with an increase in MCAT averages from 506 to 514.
• The College of Pharmacy regularly achieves a graduation rate of 90+% and continues to grow pre-pharmacy recruitment programs.
• The College of Graduate Studies has created nine new master's degree programs and achieved a 300% increase in enrollment.
• NEOMED's newest college, the Bitonte College of Dentistry, achieved initial accreditation and welcomed its inaugural class of 52 students.

Research has seen significant growth over the past five years as well. Investment has doubled in student research funding. The Timken Foundation MEDIC, the NEOvations Bench to Bedside program, the Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI) and participation in the Northern Ohio Clinical and Translational Science Consortium enhance NEOMED's capacity for discovery.

The University's commitment to scholarship is reflected in the inauguration of several endeavors: Journal of Medical Sciences; VITALS health leadership speaker series, now featured on AMA Ed Hub; the annual IDEATOR event with University Hospitals to encourage innovative solutions to challenges in healthcare; and the Project ECHO Superhub, which disseminates education and best practices.

Expanded clinical opportunities include NEOMED's partnership with University Hospitals, one of the nation's leading healthcare systems. UH has invested more than $5 million in research initiatives at NEOMED, including the UH-NEOMED Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, the UH-NEOMED Hearing Research Center, CTRI-NEOMED AI Healthcare Program, the Center for Maternal and Infant Health, and the UH-NEOMED Faculty and Student Scholars programs.

• NEOMED also has ventures and partnerships with health systems throughout Ohio, including Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children's Hospital, Aultman, Mercy Health, Summa Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • New partners include the Christ Hospital Health Network, the Cleveland Browns, Dayton Children's Hospital, Miami University, Senders Pediatrics, Southwoods Health, and the U.S. Service Academies, plus a new partnership with Kent State University to create a path to the College of Pharmacy.

Empowerment, support and recognition of people have also been essential to the University's growth. Over the past five years, professional development opportunities, improvements in compensation and enhancements in communication have occurred for faculty and staff.

More than $46 million has been invested in infrastructure improvements around the University. Rejuvenation of classrooms, study spaces, the game room, establishment of the Purple Star Military Lounge, relocation of the POD, and opening of the MEDIC are all examples of an enhanced student experience. In addition, a greater emphasis on campus branding initiatives has helped enhance the University's reputation.

The launch of Executive Education has enabled NEOMED to expand its reach to more health care professionals. When cohorts from Executive Education are included, the number of students served by NEOMED is projected to be more than 1,800 in 2026.

Among the University's community services initiatives launched over the past five years are NEOMED Health Care and NEOvations Pharmacy Services. NEOMED Dental Care will launch in 2026.

2030 Strategic Plan

NEOMED's new strategic plan will guide the growth of the University through 2030 around three pillars: Academics, Discovery and Engagement & Operations. While recognizing potential risks to success, such as uncertain state support, increased insurance rates and other factors, Dr. Langell closed his remarks by outlining the University's vision for 2030.

Read the 2030 Strategic Plan