New Associate Dean of Admissions Appointed

Yvette Perry, Ph.D., has been appointed associate dean of admissions and assistant professor in the Department of Medical Education at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine beginning June 5.

“Dr. Perry is an accomplished leader in medical school admissions, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Miller School family,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “Her strategic recruitment and enrollment initiatives will usher in the next generation of physicians that exemplify our mission of excellence and service to all.”

Moving to South Florida from Ohio, Dr. Perry most recently served as associate dean for admission and strategic enrollment, as well as an assistant professor in the Department of Medical Education, at the College of Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Toledo. Dr. Perry also held a one-year appointment there as the interim associate dean for diversity and inclusion, and lead the Office of Student Affairs, Career Advising and Professional Development.

“Dr. Perry brings a wealth of experience and many innovative strategies in medical school admissions to the Miller School,” said Latha Chandran, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., executive dean for education and chair of the Department of Medical Education. “We look forward to her helping us select the best physician candidates.”

Dr. Perry is filling the position following the retirement of Richard Weisman, Pharm. D.

Dr. Perry’s Focus on ‘Strategic Enrollment’

The admissions process is much more than simply selecting applicants with the best test scores and academic metrics, Dr. Perry said. It’s a strategic process to identify future physicians who align with the mission of the school and health care workforce needs. Strategic enrollment engages existing medical students, faculty, and staff in the process. “It takes everybody’s input — not just the admissions office,” she said.

Today, students are invested and engaged with all facets of medical education, including climate change, wellness, diversity and belonging.

“These are things that that prospective students are thinking about as they consider their future career,” Dr. Perry said. “Whatever conversations are being had at the national level, we need to make sure that the Miller School is there helping to shape and lead the dialogue.”

Connections to Miami

After almost 12 years at the University of Toledo, the career move was right for Dr. Perry and her family. “I was very open to doing something new and experiencing new adventures and challenges,” she said. “This was the right opportunity at the right time for me.”

This won’t be her first time in South Florida. Dr. Perry lived in Miami for a brief period while going to elementary school, her younger sister is an alumna of the University of Miami, and one of her 23-year-old twin daughters recently received an undergraduate degree from the University.

When asked what she’s looking forward to in her new position, she said, “This is a special time to be at the Miller School of medicine and in medical education in general. We’re on the precipice of great change and have the awesome responsibility of admitting students who are prepared to take on the challenges of a rapidly changing health care environment and become the next thought leaders in science, patient care and medical innovation.

“I’m very excited to get started.”

Tags: admissions and enrollment, Department of Medical Education, Dr. Richard Weisman, Dr. Yvette Perry, Miller School of Medicine