Kevin J. Leon, M.D., associate professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, has been named the associate dean for Undergraduate Medical Education at the UAB School of Medicine.In this role, Leon will supervise the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education and the implementation of the medical school curriculum, direct engagement with the Huntsville, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa branch campuses and participate in the school’s accreditation process with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. His appointment is effective Oct. 14.
Leon will replace Craig Hoesley, M.D., who was promoted to senior associate dean for Medical Education and chair of the Department of Medical Education in July.
“The School of Medicine has a long history and foundation for excellence in medical education with faculty and staff that are committed and dedicated to our students. It is a distinct honor to be given the opportunity to join the academic leadership as we expand our curriculum with new and innovative learning opportunities for our students across all four campuses,” Leon said. “I am excited for the future of our educational programs at the School of Medicine as we train future physicians for Alabama and our nation.”
As a medical educator, Leon has been consistently recognized by both medical students as an Argus Award winner and his colleagues as a recipient of top teaching and clinical excellence awards in the Department of Medicine.
Leon was the recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2013, which recognizes full-time UAB faculty who’ve demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. He was also the 2015 faculty recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, an honor sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation that recognizes a faculty member and student each year for the value they place on humanism in the delivery of care to patients and their families.
“Dr. Leon is an excellent clinician educator and a true role model for our students. There is no doubt he will work with our students and faculty to enhance our learning environment and medical education curriculum,” Hoesley said.
Leon has served on numerous councils and committees at the school and university level. He’s a longtime member the Medical Education Committee (serving as vice chairman from 2009-2011 and chairman from 2011-2013), as well as a member of the medical school Admissions Committee and the Griffen Society for Clinical Mentorship Steering Committee for students in the Medical Scientist Training Program. He’s also a member of the UAB Interprofessional Education working group and the School of Medicine Service Learning task force.
Leon came to UAB in 1996, after graduating from medical school at the Baylor College of Medicine, to complete an internal medicine residency and joint pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship. He joined the faculty in 2003 as an assistant professor. His research interests include therapeutic intervention in cystic fibrosis treatment and medical education.