Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine

Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM), invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean.

Position Description

POSITION: Dean, Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine

LOCATION: Henderson, Nevada

KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to Provost of the Graduate and Professional Divisions of Touro University

Direct reports include:

Vice Dean
Senior Associate Dean
Associate Dean for Clinical Education
Assistant Deans for Clinical Education and Clinical Integration
Chair of Basic Sciences
Chair of Clinical Medicine
Chair of OMM
Associate Dean for Research
Coordinator, COM

Other key relationships:

Medical school faculty, staff, students and alumni
President of Touro University
Deans of other Touro University COMs and professional schools
Hospital and medical professionals in the community

Executive Summary

Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM), located in Henderson, Nevada, invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean, effective immediately.

A faculty member and three students use a handheld ultrasound on a student lying on a medical table.

Founded in 2004, Touro University Nevada was created to meet the increasing demand for comprehensive healthcare education and to tackle the pressing healthcare shortages in the state. In 2008, the inaugural class of osteopathic medical students graduated. Since that inaugural class of 78 students, the College of Osteopathic Medicine has graduated almost 3,000 physicians in over 20 years. The College of Osteopathic Medicine was Southern Nevada’s first medical school when it was established, and it remains the only osteopathic medical school in the state. Today, Touro Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine has class size of 181 matriculating first year students. The campus also houses the College of Health and Human Services that includes programs in Physician Assistant Studies (PA and DPA), Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy (OTD), and Nursing (MSN-FNP, RN-BSN, DNP).

TUNCOM is accredited by Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), most recently receiving the 10-year accreditation status of Accreditation with Exceptional Outcome in 2022. There are two other Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine within the Touro University System – Touro University California COM (in Vallejo, CA), and TouroCOM in New York. The New York COM started in Harlem, NY and has since added two additional locations, one in Middletown, NY and one in Great Falls, MT.

The growth of the TUNCOM has been guided by three outstanding deans: founding dean Dr. Mitchell Forman, who was followed by Dr. John Dougherty, and most recently led by Dr. Wolfgang Gilliar. The Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine is a full-time, mission-driven leader dedicated wholly to advancing the success, reputation, and impact of TUNCOM. This dynamic role not only directs and oversees the day-to-day operations of the college, but also sets the vision for its continued growth and excellence. The Dean ensures the highest standards of academic and clinical education, safeguarding the integrity of the curriculum while driving innovation through state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge learning strategies. With a steadfast commitment to student success, the Dean fosters an environment where faculty, staff, and learners can thrive.

Beyond the campus, the Dean serves as a connector and strategist, building meaningful partnerships with healthcare systems, community organizations, and peer institutions to expand opportunities and strengthen the college’s influence regionally, nationally, and beyond. This position is not just about management, it is about leadership, innovation, and impact: ensuring that the College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to be a leader in educating compassionate physicians prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of society.

The ideal candidate will be a DO with a distinguished professional background that evidences the candidate's potential for leadership in achieving and maintaining excellence and innovation in teaching, research, scholarship and service; a commitment to serving the underserved and to ensuring access to the profession for qualified candidates, and as well as fundraising.

The 2004 inaugural class outside the main entrance of the Touro University Nevada building. — **First Class**

DO students on stage hold signs showing their residency placements as the audience photographs them during the Match Day event. — **Class of 2025 who matched in Nevada**

Institutional Overview

Touro University was established in 1970 to focus on higher education for the Jewish community and humanity, enrolling its first class in September 1971. Today, Touro is the largest higher education system under Jewish auspices in America, serving a widely diverse and growing population of over 19,000 students in dozens of schools in the U.S. and abroad. Rooted in rigorous research and scholarship, Touro has the agility, responsiveness, and entrepreneurial spirit of a younger institution. Touro’s research footprint continues to increase, as it emerges as one of the leading educators of healthcare professionals in the nation. The University is attuned to student needs for today's rapidly evolving marketplace and world and develops programs at the cutting edge of technology and education.

Today, Touro is a leader in medical and health sciences education. One of the largest educators of medical and healthcare providers in the country, across the system, Touro graduates physicians, dentists, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, sonographers, and other allied healthcare professionals (e.g. OT, PT, PsyD, SLP, etc.). Since opening its doors more than fifty years ago, Touro has graduated over 34,000 healthcare professionals nationwide. In 2023, over 3% of the newly graduated physicians and healthcare workers graduated from Touro. With a commitment to excellence and comprehensive training from experts in the field, Touro ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to lead and revolutionize the healthcare industry.

Touro University currently operates in seven states and four countries. It has medical schools in California, Montana, Nevada, and NY (where there are two Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and New York Medical College). Dental schools are located in New York and New Mexico, Pharmacy Schools are located in California and New York, and Health Sciences Programs (PA, PT, OT, Nursing, Speech and Language Pathology, Public Health, and Sonography and Radiologic Technology) in California, Illinois, Nevada and New York. In addition, Touro’s Law Center in New York houses an Institute for Health Law, Bioethics and Policy.

As Touro expands, the University remains true to its mission and is uniquely aware of the importance of an education that accommodates students from all backgrounds and circumstances.

Touro University Mission Statement

Touro University is an independent institution of higher education under Jewish auspices, established to promote and perpetuate the Jewish heritage, as well as to serve the general community in keeping with the historic Jewish commitment to intellectual inquiry, the transmission of knowledge, and service to society.

Touro offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs that serve diverse components of the Jewish community and the larger society, especially those who have been historically underserved. These academic offerings span Jewish studies, the liberal arts and sciences, and medical and health sciences. Touro is a university where personal growth, scholarship and research are fostered and where men and women are prepared for productive lives of dignity, value, and values.

The core values of the university are based on two fundamental components, as reflected in Hillel’s dictum in Ethics of the Fathers, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am concerned only with myself, what am I?” These values mirror Touro’s commitment to quality education as well as integrity and respect for all members of the Touro community.

The following goals support Touro's Mission:

To impart and enrich the Jewish heritage and its tradition of intellectual inquiry and to incorporate its ethos into the University’s academic offerings
To promote ethical behavior and responsibility through the curriculum and community outreach
To advance the career interests and professional aspirations of our students through a broad range of academic programs and innovative approaches
To advance faculty and student research and scholarship
To promote educational opportunities and access, focused on the student experience and student success

TUNCOM Mission Statement

The Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM) prepares students to become outstanding osteopathic physicians who uphold the values, philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine and who are committed to primary care and the holistic approach to the patient. The college advances the profession and serves its students and society through innovative pre-doctoral and post-doctoral education, research, community service, and multidisciplinary and osteopathic clinical services.

About TUNCOM

TUNCOM is an osteopathic medical school located in Henderson, Nevada. It was created to address the growing healthcare needs of Nevada and the western United States. The college is committed to producing competent, compassionate, and community-minded osteopathic physicians. TUNCOM has graduated more than 2,300 physicians. With a 100% placement rate in 2025, nearly one-third of the graduates matched in a Nevada-based residency program, advancing a campus goal of addressing the physician shortage in the state. More than half of the 2025 graduates entered a primary care residency program.

The curriculum integrates Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), preventive care, and a strong foundation in biomedical sciences. The school’s mission is rooted in service, education, and innovation, with a focus on underserved populations. The program is a four-year program that is constructed into two years of didactic coursework and then two years of clerkships. The students are trained from year one with innovative learning tools like high fidelity mannequins and point of care ultrasound (POCUS). Each student receives their own handheld ultrasound in their first year.

Throughout their training, they are introduced to interprofessional education (IPE) with their colleagues through the College of Health and Human Services. Osteopathic medical students collaborate with nursing students, physical therapy students, and physician assistant students during organized IPE events.

During their clerkships, the students rotate in diverse settings across Nevada and neighboring states. Touro University Nevada has the only state fully accredited simulation center, which is utilized thoroughly across all four years. The first year students dissect in a cadaver lab that is maintained and staffed by College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty.

Touro University Nevada has consistently achieved high pass rates on COMLEX-USA board examinations. Fourth year TUNCOM students match into competitive residency programs across the country. Touro University Nevada offers a supportive environment with formal mentoring and several student organizations. TUNCOM also offers a one year Masters of Medical Health Sciences program, which helps to prepare individuals to succeed in future healthcare programs like medical school.

Dean Candidate Qualifications

Hold a DO degree having graduated from a COCA accredited College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Have achieved board certification by either an AOA or ABMS specialty board during their career.
Proof of an unrestricted medical license at some point in the candidate’s medical career that was free of disciplinary actions or sanctions while active.
Minimum of five years of experience in Osteopathic College administrative leadership within the last ten years that includes budget management authority.
Associate professor rank or higher with demonstrated effectiveness, knowledge, and experience in academics and administration.
Proven experience in teaching, educational design, and evaluation in a medical education setting.
Demonstrated leadership and proven record of establishing successful collaborative programs in the community and with hospitals and other external partners.
Evidence of scholarly activity in peer reviewed journals
Excellent organization, management, and communication skills.
Excellent presentation/public speaking and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated leadership abilities in consensus building, conflict resolution, inspiration, truthfulness, organization, and objective critique.
Ability to work diplomatically and effectively with a variety of internal and external constituents.
Willing to work effectively in a team environment with peers, giving/receiving collegial advice.
Possess sound, rational decision making skills and the ability to hold firm in challenging and/or adverse situations.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, lead staff to optimal levels of productivity, balance multiple projects in stressful situations, while meeting deadlines and maintaining positive relations. Excellent follow-through skills essential.
Demonstrated competence in designing curriculum and ability to institute a comfortable learning environment necessary to maintain a dynamic curriculum with a vision for growth.
Appreciation and enthusiasm for all aspects of the Touro University and TUNCOM missions.

Apply for this Position Online

Nondiscrimination Statement: Touro University treats all employees, job applicants, and students without unlawful consideration of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition), age, disability, medical condition, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military service or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. The full non-discrimination statement can be found here: https://www.touro.edu/non-discrimination/ . As part of the Universities equal employment opportunity policy, Touro University Nevada will also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.