Brian J. Zink, M.D., professor of emergency medicine, was appointed interim executive vice dean for academic affairs (EVDAA) in the Medical School, effective Sept. 8. His appointment, which also includes service as interim chief academic officer (CAO) for Michigan Medicine, was approved by the Board of Regents on Sept. 17.

Since September 2019, Zink has served as senior associate dean for faculty and faculty development and will continue in this role. He has extensive experience in mentoring, faculty and leadership development, education, medical humanities, history of emergency medicine, and current policymaking in health care.

In his role as interim EVDAA, Zink is taking over for Carol R. Bradford (M.D. 1986, M.S. 1988, Fellowship 1988, Residency 1992), who was recruited to The Ohio State University to serve as dean of the College of Medicine and vice president for health affairs. Bradford served as EVDAA at the U-M Medical School for the last four years and was chief academic officer of Michigan Medicine and a professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

Together with members of the academic cabinet, Bradford led the development of the Medical School mission statement, "to transform health through bold and innovative education, discovery and service," and outlined a five-year strategic plan in support of this mission. She chaired the Wellness and Civility Task Force, helped implement best practices for faculty searches, and helped recruit the next generation of medical school leadership with the appointment of many clinical department chairs, academic deans, and center directors.