Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, named executive vice dean of the Medical School
I am proud to announce that Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, has accepted the role of executive vice dean (EVD) for the Medical School. This will be an important position on my leadership team, with a strong focus on implementing the Medical School’s strategic plan and driving our goal of excellence in all areas of our mission.
Jakub brings 24 years of commitment to our school, having served in roles as varied as student, resident, fellow, faculty, physician, administrator, and mentor. It is this breadth of experience that will be critical as he focuses on implementing the strategic plans for scholarship and research.
“I believe this Medical School has the people we need to make us one of the best in the nation. I hope to work with faculty and staff to identify and remove obstacles to success in recruiting and retaining faculty, performing meaningful research, and excelling at scholarship at the highest, most creative level.”
Because of his diverse background, Jakub understands the challenges faced by clinicians, physician-scientists, and basic scientists. He begins work as the EVD on September 6. In the weeks to come, he will be meeting with department heads and the leaders of our centers and institutes to learn more about each area’s needs and assets.
“It is important to unite the Medical School faculty and staff with a shared sense of purpose as we work to improve the practice of medicine,” Jakub explains. “Everyone must know why their work is important and how it contributes meaningfully to that goal.”
As executive vice dean, Jakub will work closely with departments on recruiting and retaining faculty and increasing research and scholarship activity, he will work with centers and institutes (including our new MDTs) to maximize our productivity and impact, and partner with me to achieve our philanthropic and legislative goals.
Jakub has ambition, experience, leadership skills, and a strong track record of research, clinical, and administrative success. He is an exemplary physician, teacher, mentor, clinician, and leader. He holds multiple ROIs; has yearly $1.7 million funding from the NIH and $1.3 million from grateful patients and patient support private donors; has published more than 160 peer-reviewed papers; serves as principal investigator on a number of clinical trials; and builds outstanding relationships. In fact, he has already been effective in building relationships with the state legislature, helping to secure $50 million in funding for regenerative medicine research across Minnesota.
Jakub brings tremendous energy and experience to this position. I look forward to partnering with him and I hope you will join me in welcoming him in his new role.