The University of Arizona’s Health Sciences Department is about to undergo a major restructuring. University President Robert Shelton announced that the plan will create a new position of Vice President for Health Affairs, to whom all of the deans of the Health Sciences Center colleges will report.

“This restructuring is going to facilitate better coordination of all areas of the Arizona Health Sciences Center,” said Shelton. “The changes we are making will allow the University to improve the quality and efficiency of what we offer in teaching, research and patient care.”

In addition Dr. Keith Joiner, dean of the College of Medicine, has announced that he will step down from that position to return to the faculty. Shelton has appointed Dr. Steve Goldschmid, head of the Department of Medicine, as the interim dean of the department. A search for someone to fill the position permanently will be launched once the new position of Vice President for Health Affairs is filled.