Dean's Message

Dear Campbell Family:

The School of Osteopathic Medicine continues to set a “Positive Path Forward” despite a fluctuating environment. As we reflect on 2021, I want to express my sincere gratitude for everyone’s fortitude and perseverance during this unpredictable time. Over the past two years, the persistence of COVID-19 has led to adjustments in our daily routines, several revisions in federal and state guidelines, and modifications to the educational paradigm - including recommendations related to isolation, quarantine, and vaccination - while delivering quality instruction.

It has been over six months since my start as the new dean for the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, and I find the 2021 Annual Report to be filled with countless smiles and fellowship. Reflective of a solid academic presence, it is uplifting to see the accomplishments of our students and graduates. Our “Campbell Family” continues to achieve excellence, and our physician colleagues and alumni continue to show resilience on the frontlines of this pandemic and in medical education. We recognize that we succeed, despite the challenges presented, through the efforts of a strong student body, dedicated faculty and staff, accomplished alumni, and dedicated partners.

As we move through this ever-evolving pandemic, I am encouraged to stay positive in our profession. We all have been given the responsibility to reflect upon our purpose in this world, remain honest, and work with others to move forward in a positive light. For myself, as a physician, administrator, and educator, I ask for your continued support as we “Lead with Purpose” and champion the ideals of Campbell University. We can excel through trust and transparency while focusing on mindfulness, humility, and the pursuit of quality through a commitment to our students and service to others. We have been allowed to define medical education excellence and outshine others, and your dedication to CUSOM reflects on our outstanding reputation.

In 2021, our students shined in a sustained commitment to community service, research, and other special projects. The medical school continues to expand its presence through collaborative partnerships, new program development, and research. Through renewed efforts to provide primary care and health education in rural and underserved communities, we have touched many who are in need. In 2022, we will continue to champion classic osteopathic tenets with solid educational principles to offer our graduates an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives they touch.

The medical school has emphasized foundational primary care training and excellence from the beginning. As a result, our graduates have supported our mission in practice, word, and deed. We are proud of the 165 graduates who have embarked on a new chapter and entered modern medicine. Approximately seventy-five percent of our graduates enter targeted specialties of need, including family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general surgery. As we graduate new Osteopathic physicians who provide meaningful service to others, we will soon graduate another class of students, residents, and fellows who embody excellence in education, scholarship, and service. I am proud of all they represent, physicians who will be servant leaders who will lead with purpose and pursue excellence in osteopathic medicine throughout their careers.

Most importantly, I want to offer sincere praise to our graduates and fellow physicians for your accomplishments. Your continued success is our success, for you have been given the ability to flourish, and we know you are achieving excellence. You have accomplished great things and made tremendous differences in many patients’ lives. For that, we are and will always be grateful.

I hope you enjoy this publication, find the stories to be uplifting, and the accomplishment of your colleagues to be impactful. We are thankful for your unwavering support and steadfast dedication to the medical profession and education. I look forward to hearing from you, your accomplishments, and how we can help you continue to set a positive path forward and “Lead with Purpose.”

With Gratitude and Service,

Brian Kessler, DO, dean Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Kessler arrived just days prior to the Class of 2021 graduation and was able to personally congratulate each graduate as they crossed the stage.