Lincoln Memorial University establishes new Division of Health Sciences

Lincoln Memorial University has established a new Division of Health Sciences that will become a framework for its growing health sciences and health professions programs. The Division of Health Sciences will be led by Dr. Mark Browne, who serves as the university’s chief administrative officer for health sciences.

According to an article on Lincoln Memorial University’s website, university President Dr. Jason McConnell was quoted as saying of the development, “LMU has built an extraordinary health professions enterprise, and we are continuing to invest in the leadership and structure necessary to support it. We have exceptional programs, talented faculty and staff, and a growing presence in communities that need highly trained health professionals. The Division of Health Sciences allows us to connect those strengths more intentionally and creates a strong foundation for where we are headed next. Growth creates opportunity, but it also requires us to be intentional about how we lead and support a University of LMU’s size and scope. We are building a structure that reflects the LMU of today while positioning us for where we are going next. As the University continues to grow, we will continue making thoughtful decisions about how our programs and leadership structures fit together to support our students, faculty and long-term success.”

The Division of Health Sciences brings together the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is led by Dr. Teanna Moore as the College’s dean and chief academic officer, and the School of Medical Sciences, which is under Browne’s leadership.

The university has recently been experiencing growth in its portfolio of health professions programs. It has introduced new health programs, expanded into new service areas, and created new pathways into health professions for students. The School of Medical Sciences includes the Physician Assistant programs in Harrogate and Knoxville, Tennessee, and Tampa, Florida, and the Physician Assistant program in Chattanooga, Tennessee which is under development, and the Doctor of Medical Science program.

Browne came to the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in July 2023. He is a doctor trained in internal medicine and pediatrics and has years of executive health care leadership experience. Before coming to the university, he served as the senior vice president and chief medical officer for Covenant Health.

Speaking of the new Division of Health Sciences, Browne said, “Our health professions programs already have tremendous expertise within them. This structure gives us more opportunities to bring that expertise together across disciplines and campuses, share ideas and resources, and identify new ways to support our faculty and students. Ultimately, that collaboration strengthens how we prepare graduates to serve the communities that depend on them.”

The purpose of the establishment of the Division of Health Sciences is to bring together the university’s multiple locations, colleges, and programs together under a unified framework, inspiring collaboration and facilitating growth in its health programs.

For more information about Lincoln Memorial University, visit the school’s website.