Touro University Appoints New Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro University, has appointed Stacey Pierce-Talsma, DO, MS, FNAOME, as the next dean of the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine effective July 1, 2026.
As Southern Nevada’s first medical school, Touro University Nevada has spent more than twenty‑two years educating physicians and improving healthcare outcomes,” said Dr. Kadish. “Dr. Pierce-Talsma is a nationally recognized leader in osteopathic medical education, who will build on our strong legacy of academic excellence and local community impact.”
Inspired by her medical school professors and mentors, Dr. Pierce‑Talsma was drawn to a career in academic medicine with the goal of inspiring the next generation of physicians. She finds deep fulfillment in the growth and development of students, knowing they will go on to provide care and promote wellness for far more patients than she could reach on her own.
Prior to joining Touro Nevada, Dr. Pierce-Talsma was Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and Clinical Professor at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. In this role, she led institutional accreditation, advanced innovative and integrated curriculum models, expanded class capacity, and the development and transition to a new health sciences campus. Her work emphasizes competency-based education, leadership development, coaching-informed educational models, and a sustained commitment to learner wellbeing and osteopathic principles and practice. Dr. Pierce-Talsma has held numerous leadership roles across undergraduate and graduate medical education. She has previously been a part of the Touro University system spending close to five years at Touro University California as Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Department Chair & Associate Clinical Professor.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pierce‑Talsma back to the Touro system as she leads the College of Osteopathic Medicine into its next chapter,” added Dr. Patricia Salkin, Provost & Chief Academic Officer. “Her extensive experience in academic leadership and osteopathic medicine will strengthen student success, drive curriculum innovation, and support better patient outcomes in the communities our graduates serve.”
She is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and a master’s degree in medical education and leadership at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Notably, she is a Fellow of both the AOA Health Policy Fellowship and the National Academy of Osteopathic Medical Educators (FNAOME). She has also served as the chair of the Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM) Review Committee at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), contributing to national policy and standards in graduate medical education.
“Touro Nevada’s mission to serve, to lead, and to advance healthcare through education grounded in social responsibility, and community engagement deeply resonates with me,” said Dr. Pierce-Talsma. “I look forward to partnering with students, faculty, and community leaders to prepare osteopathic physicians who will improve access to care, address health disparities, and make a meaningful impact in Nevada.”
Touro Nevada recently celebrated a record achievement, with 72 medical students matching into residency programs across Nevada, majority staying in the Las Vegas valley. Additionally, all 172 graduating medical students successfully matched into residency programs. Touro Nevada continues to produce the highest number of medical school graduates in the state each year. The most recent academic year also marked COMLEX pass rates above the national average, reflecting the strength of the institution’s academic program.
“Dr. Pierce‑Talsma’s dedication to her profession and to the success of students reflects her vision for the future of healthcare and medical education,” Dr. Kadish said.
