Roseman University’s College of Medicine is part of a private, nonprofit health professions university founded in Nevada. It began in a 900-square-foot rented space in Henderson, and in 15 years has grown to three campuses in two states. Mark Penn is the founding dean and chancellor of the Summerlin campus, which this year submitted an application to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education to begin the accreditation process for the College of Medicine.
How is Roseman University’s College of Medicine different from other medical schools/programs in Southern Nevada?
Roseman is different from Touro University in that we are an allopathic (MD) program and our institution was founded in Henderson. It’s different from UNR and UNLV in that we are a private, nonprofit institution.
Roseman’s educational model is known for its mastery learning, theater-in-the-round teaching, high academic standards and student success.
Even though we are a private medical college, we will have a major focus on the needs of the state, and we will highly prioritize recruiting students from Nevada and the Intermountain West. One of our major goals will be to increase the number of physicians who stay in Nevada or will return after residency.
What do you hope to accomplish with Roseman University over the next few years?
To lay the groundwork for success, I am connecting with members of the community, including local physicians and hospital systems. Listening to and understanding their needs is helping me determine how we can best move forward together.
I also hope to develop true inter-professional opportunities for all of our students.
How has your background prepared you for your role?
Being a part of a residency program (at Northeastern Ohio Medical University), teaching in all four years of medical school, helping with curriculum development, leading a major curriculum transformation, being a medical school student adviser, being in a variety of leadership positions, being the liaison between our university and other universities, expanding our medical school and developing a new campus — all of these experiences have prepared me.
They helped me understand medical school education and operations, residency education, how to interact and work with the highest levels of university administration, how to work with the state higher education system, and how to develop strong community partnerships.
What has been the most rewarding part of your job?
Getting to know the wonderful people of Nevada and knowing that we are going to make a positive impact on the lives of the people in our community. It is very gratifying to partner with community physicians and hospitals and help them continue to be successful, and it will be immensely rewarding to help students realize their dream of becoming physicians.
Describe your management style.
I believe in people and believe in being respectful. People need a clear understanding of their role and how they can succeed. It is my job to help them succeed. Complimenting and encouraging others is very important. I believe in providing appropriate, honest feedback to help someone grow.
I believe in the team, and value diverse opinions. I recognize that sometimes the quietest person in the room may have the solution for the challenge we have been working on. I work hard to gain consensus and don’t always need to be right. I simply want us to make the best decision using the best information at hand. I use facts/data to drive decision-making, yet use common sense as a large part of the equation.
Where do you see yourself and/or the university in 10 years?
I rely heavily on strong strategic planning; before I began my position as founding dean, I created a vision for what our College of Medicine would look like in 2026 — five years after the inaugural class had graduated. So, 10 years from now, I would anticipate that our College of Medicine: 1) has gained full accreditation, 2) is graduating our projected number of students, 3) is providing team-based, interprofessional learning opportunities for medical students with other health professions students, 4) some of our students who have finished residency are practicing here in Nevada, and 5) we are recognized as one of the premier medical schools in the United States.
Someday, it will be time for someone else to lead the next era of growth. I feel it is important to recruit the right people who could be the next leaders.
What is your dream job, outside of your current field?
High school science teacher and basketball/baseball coach. I love science and math and had wonderful public high school teachers that were inspirational. I love the idea of teaching and learning with high school students in the classroom and on the court or out in the field.
Whom do you admire and why?
Proudly and without hesitation, my parents.
My mother inspired her children to be the best we could, and made sure we learned. A librarian, she was a perfectionist, and she inspired me to love science books. She always seemed to say the right thing no matter the situation. She is no longer with us but her sweet attitude, actions and memory have positively affected her children and grandchildren.
My father is a WWII Army veteran who became a teacher/administrator and taught me the value of education, respect for the military and respect for our country. He didn’t see problems as problems, but challenges or opportunities to help us or the situation become better.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Unintended consequences that arise when decision-makers fail to think through the challenges before putting an action plan in place.
What is something that people might not know about you?
When I was younger I lived in Honduras, where my parents were agriculture missionaries with World Gospel Mission.