Following his announcement in December to establish a Department of Medical Evaluation and Education Research for the WSU School of Medicine, Dean Robert R. Frank, M.D., announced the appointment of Patrick D. Bridge , Ph.D., to head the new initiative.

As assistant dean for medical evaluation and education research, Dr. Bridge is responsible for overseeing a school-wide program to ensure the most progressive and effective medical curriculum and faculty development.

Dr. Bridge has been closely involved in medical school curriculum development and evaluation since joining the WSU faculty in 1997. An assistant professor of family medicine, Dr. Bridge has assisted in educating faculty in the development of research and evaluation methods and the application of statistical tests and educational theory (psychometrics). His role as medical educator has guided his scholarship and research activities in the areas of program evaluation, community-based cancer education and educational theory. He was fundamental in integrating the unique use of hand-held computers, or PDAs, into the medical education curriculum.

"Pat Bridge brings a high level of expertise and scholarship to this important new initiative," Dean Frank said. "He will do an excellent job in guiding medical education through effective use of new technology and applications in order to maintain our strength as a first-rate medical school."

Dr. Bridge received his doctorate in evaluation and research from WSU in 1995. He holds a master's degree from the University of Detroit and earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University. He held positions as medical software product designer with the MEDSTAT Group in Ann Arbor, as senior research administrator for SelectCare Inc., in Troy, and as quality improvement specialist/biostatistician with Sinai Hospital before joining the faculty.