Academic

Yale Launches Biomedical Imaging Institute to Advance Health Innovation

Yale School of Medicine (YSM) announces the launch of the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute, a cross-disciplinary hub that will unite leading experts in imaging technology, clinical translation, and data science. One of only a few such institutes in the nation, it aims to drive innovation in biomedical imaging to improve understanding of human health and advance the treatment of disease. "The Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute brings together world-class talent and resources to accelerate discovery and impact across medicine," says Georges El Fakhri, PhD, Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, who is the institute's inaugural director. "We are incredibly excited to see the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute come to fruition and look forward to seeing its positive impact across disciplines for years to come." El Fakhri is joined by Chi Liu, PhD, and Dustin Scheinost, PhD, associate directors of biomedical imaging technologies; Xenophon Papademetris, PhD, associate director for biomedical imaging data sciences; and Kelly Cosgrove, PhD, associate director for biomedical imaging translation. The Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute emerged from a year-long strategic planning initiative led by YSM Dean Nancy J. Brown, MD, El Fakhri, Liu, and Douglas Rothman, PhD. More than 40 listening sessions across Yale's science and engineering communities revealed strong enthusiasm for a coordinated approach to biomedical imaging. The institute aims to: Create novel biomedical imaging technologies across diverse modalities Translate discoveries to guide diagnostics and therapies Apply artificial intelligence and data science to enhance research and clinical care The institute will integrate the work of longstanding Yale centers and cores—including the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center and Magnetic Resonance Research Center—along with data science and imaging informatics expertise. Initial initiatives will include training opportunities for postdocs and students, along with exploratory funding opportunities. "There is an unparalleled opportunity at Yale to establish a world-class imaging institute based on the strength of its existing programs," says Brian Smith, MD, deputy dean for research (clinical and translational). The institute will support research in brain, cancer, cardiovascular, and inflammation imaging, while expanding efforts in early disease detection. Data science will play a central role with scientists leveraging deep learning to process and sharing vast imaging datasets, benefitting Yale investigators and the wider research community. "This institute solidifies Yale's decades-long leadership in imaging and ensures we remain at the forefront of translational and clinical research," says Rothman.

Dr. Jeremy Saul Launches $1,000 National Scholarship for Medical Students

Dr. Jeremy Saul, a respected family physician, has launched the Dr. Jeremy Saul Scholarship for Medical Students, a national program offering a one-time $1,000 award. This initiative aims to support undergraduate medical students across the U.S. who demonstrate academic promise, compassion, and a commitment to community healthcare, helping to ease their financial burden. "As a physician who has witnessed the transformative power of compassionate care, I believe in uplifting those who are dedicated to walking this path," said Dr. Jeremy Saul, a board-certified family medicine practitioner. Application Details and Eligibility Applicants must submit a 500–800 word original essay addressing the prompt: "Reflect on a personal experience that solidified your passion for a medical career. How do you plan to embody the values of compassion, innovation, and service in your future work as a healthcare professional, and what impact do you hope to make in your community?" To be eligible, students must: Be currently enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited U.S. undergraduate program. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Express a clear intention to enter the medical or healthcare field.

Arcadia University Launches Workforce Development Program to Upskill Talent Nationwide

Workforce shortages continue to challenge employers across the state. According to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, workforce development remains a top strategic priority, with skills gaps and talent shortages consistently cited as major barriers to growth. As of 2024, Pennsylvania had 304,000 job openings but only 233,000 unemployed individuals actively seeking work, revealing a shortfall of over 70,000 workers across the state. Arcadia's Workforce Development program offers more than 150 industry-recognized certificate programs in high-demand fields including healthcare, IT, business, and manufacturing. Many programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development credits. Designed to meet the needs of today's workforce, these offerings are delivered in flexible online and hybrid formats ideal for working professionals. "Pennsylvania's economy is evolving rapidly, and its employers need workforce partners who can evolve with it," said Scott Miller, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Core Education. "Our collaboration with Arcadia ensures that organizations are equipped with the skills and agility to lead in a competitive market." Arcadia's Workforce Development program also provides easy pathways for degree completion for those with some college experience but not a degree, and allows students to stack certificates or seamlessly transition to a bachelor's degree. "Employers are demanding more strategic and skill-focused partnerships to stay competitive," said Dr. John Noakes, Associate Provost at Arcadia University and Director of its new Center for Professional Futures. "This partnership with Core Education allows us to respond with purpose—by aligning our academic strengths to the real-world workforce needs of Pennsylvania businesses."

Ortho Consulting Group Unveils Global Surgical Training Hub in the UK

Ortho Consulting Group (OCG) is pleased to announce the launch of the Ortho Surgical Skills Centre (OSSC), a new training facility designed to support medical device companies and healthcare professionals across the globe. Located in Newbury, UK, the Centre provides an agnostic, high-quality environment where industry leaders can come together to advance surgical skills, share knowledge and collaborate on innovative solutions. The OSSC is purpose-built to cater to the diverse needs of medical device manufacturers, surgeons and healthcare professionals, offering a versatile space that is open to all stakeholders in the medical device sector. Opening its doors in April the facility features both didactic and cadaveric training capabilities, allowing companies to host educational events and meetings tailored to their specific needs. This flexibility, combined with OSSC's modern infrastructure, sets it apart as a premier destination for surgical training in the orthopaedic and spine sectors. "We are proud to offer an open, inclusive environment for the entire medical device community," said Ric Sumner, Director at Ortho Consulting Group. "By providing a facility that is accessible to all, we are creating a space where collaboration and innovation can flourish. Our mission is to support both commercial and surgical communities by providing the resources and expertise necessary to drive meaningful advancements in patient care." The centre's offering is enhanced by a comprehensive concierge service that provides a seamless, turnkey solution for companies seeking to host their own educational events. OSSC's unique combination of training logistical support and strategic consultancy ensures that each event is executed to the highest standards, making it an invaluable resource for the medical device industry. At the heart of OSSC is a commitment to fostering continuous learning and knowledge exchange. Through collaboration with industry leaders, surgeons, and academic partners, OSSC will serve as a hub for driving progress in orthopaedics and spine surgery, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and advancing the medical device industry as a whole. "As we move forward, we remain focused on enhancing the impact we can have on the medical device sector by offering high-quality, flexible training solutions," said Ortho Consulting Group founder Matt Woods. "Our aim is to empower surgeons and healthcare professionals to stay at the forefront of their field, while creating new business opportunities for our clients and partners." Looking ahead, OSSC is already planning a Phase 2 expansion, set for completion in early 2026. The 6,000 sq ft extension will further enhance the centre's capacity, adding additional storage solutions, teaching spaces, and non-cadaveric training labs to meet the growing needs of the medical device community.

The Chicago School Launches Online Master of Science Program in Biomedical Sciences

The Chicago School announced a new Master of Science (MS) Biomedical Sciences program in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies beginning Fall 2025. The online program is designed to give students a strong academic background in biomedical sciences and prepare them for medical school or other careers in medical research and health-related fields. The program's curriculum will equip students with a blend of the scientific, analytical, and professional skills needed in modern healthcare, biotech, and public health roles. Intended to prepare students for success in medical school and other advanced healthcare degree programs, the curriculum will offer rigorous biomedical courses designed to strengthen competencies in anatomy, physiology and research. The MS Biomedical Sciences program demonstrates The Chicago School's continued focus on elevating the connection between mental and physical health. Last year, The Chicago School announced the launch of the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM), a unique osteopathic college of medicine focusing on mental health-informed care. "This program embodies our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community," said Michele Nealon, Psy.D., president of The Chicago School. "We are proud to offer a program that will expand the number of students prepared to pursue a medical or research career in the midst of a severe shortage of physicians in the U.S. This program will not only prepare students for medical school but also position them to make meaningful contributions to healthcare and medical research." The MS Biomedical Sciences program plans to be available in both full- and part-time formats, allowing students to complete the program in six or 10 terms, respectively. The in-depth academic experience will prepare students for a variety of career paths, including DO or MD medical school, medical research, and careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. "Many aspiring medical professionals face barriers to entry, whether due to gaps in their academic background or challenges balancing education with other responsibilities. By supporting initiatives like this, we help our institutions create multiple pathways for more students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare," said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System.

AACN Launches Nursing Workforce Solutions Program

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) launched Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy's Nursing Workforce Solutions program this week, empowering direct care nurses with the tools and leadership skills to promote a healthy work environment, strengthen nurse retention and improve nurse satisfaction. The program will feature AACN's Healthy Work Environment standards and AACN Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy, a proven hospital-based direct-care nurse leadership, innovation and experiential implementation science-based program. There will be six geographic cohorts, each consisting of 10 teams, for a total of 60 teams from 25 hospitals. AACN will provide the program at no cost to these hospitals, thanks to a sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson. "Research supports that implementing healthy work environments through nurse-led innovation has measurable improvements for nurse retention, job satisfaction, organizational culture and patient outcomes. Through this collaborative effort, we will drive change to support our nursing workforce," says AACN Chief Clinical Officer Vicki Good, DNP, RN, CENP, CPPS, FAAN. CSI Academy's team-oriented program builds additional skills for direct care nurses and leverages their expertise, preparing and supporting them as clinician leaders who effect positive changes that improve patient, nurse and hospital outcomes. Nationwide, more than 816 nurses at 141 hospitals have completed CSI Academy since its launch in 2012. The program has touched over 13,000 nurses and 2 million patients, with an estimated positive fiscal impact of $114 million. Previous CSI Academy teams have realized a 455% return on investment through sustainable, scalable change. Building on the success of CSI Academy, the Nursing Workforce Solutions program seeks to further scale the impact by adding a train-the-trainer component, so health systems can more easily infuse learning throughout their systems. "Nurses are uniquely positioned to transform both care delivery and the healthcare work environment, and Johnson & Johnson is proud to collaborate with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses to support and empower nurse-led innovation within health systems," said Michele Morgan, Director of Nursing Programs and Strategies, Global Health Equity, Johnson & Johnson.

New Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Launched by UWS

As part of its mission to advance whole-person health care education, University of Western States (UWS) introduced a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. The innovative hybrid program is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, compassionate occupational therapists. "The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is a natural extension of our mission to advance integrated, whole-person health care through exceptional education and compassionate patient care," said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. "By offering a flexible, academically rigorous pathway into this growing field, we are empowering more students to pursue impactful careers without putting their lives on hold." Created with working professionals and career changers in mind, the OTD program combines primarily online coursework with limited on-campus residencies, allowing students to complete most of their education within their own communities. Unlike many traditional programs, it does not require relocation. Occupational therapy is among the fastest-growing fields in health care, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 12 percent job growth through 2032. Demand continues to rise as aging populations, individuals recovering from illness or injury, and those managing chronic conditions increasingly prioritize services that support independence, recovery, and whole-person well-being. "As the first occupational therapy program within our System, this launch represents a significant step in expanding our ability to impact health care delivery," said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, which includes UWS. "By offering a flexible and forward-thinking pathway into occupational therapy, UWS is preparing a new generation of practitioners to provide care that addresses not just physical needs, but the overall well-being of the individuals and communities they serve." The program has applied for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®). Upon full accreditation, graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), and pursue licensure nationwide.

Tampa General Hospital Named Among Top 100 Academic Medical Centers in Becker’s First-Ever 2025 List

Becker's Hospital Review released a first-of-its-kind list at the end of April, noting Tampa General Hospital (TGH) as one of the top 100 academic medical centers to know in 2025. This latest accolade for the academic health system follows Tampa General's recent ranking among the top 30% of the nation's leading hospitals for overall performance by Vizient Inc. The Becker's list, compiled through extensive research, recognizes leading institutions across the U.S. that are at the forefront of medical education, research and patient care. Tampa General Hospital is one of only three academic medical centers in Florida to be included on the list. It also stands out as the Tampa Bay region's only university-affiliated academic health system, in partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. "We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of the top 100 academic medical centers in the nation," says John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "At Tampa General Hospital, our patients are at the heart of everything we do. This honor reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team to create a patient-centered atmosphere, while providing an unwavering commitment to exceptional care for our community." Academic medical centers like Tampa General are comprehensive institutions that integrate education, research and clinical expertise to deliver the most advanced health care available. This includes a wide range of tertiary and quaternary services, such as complex neurosurgery, cardiothoracic procedures and organ transplantation, as well as specialized care in neonatology, cancer treatment, intensive care and palliative care. These centers are also often at the forefront of experimental treatments and procedures, offering patients access to cutting-edge medical interventions. The recognition highlights Tampa General's commitment to innovation, research and education. As a leading academic medical center and the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa General is dedicated to training the next generation of health care professionals and providing advanced medical care to patients throughout the region and beyond. With the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine recognized as one of only 16 medical schools nationally, and the only one in Florida, to receive a Tier 1 ranking in the U.S. News & World Report Best Medical School rankings in research, this partnership is further elevated, allowing the faculty to drive even greater achievements in patient care and medical innovation. The health system's dedication to cutting-edge technology, specialized programs and a collaborative environment contributes to its standing as a national leader in health care. "This latest recognition from Becker's Hospital Review validates the strong, productive and ever-growing partnership between Tampa General and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, now ranked among the top 16 medical schools in the nation," said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president at USF Health, dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, and executive vice president and chief academic officer at Tampa General. "Together, we are committed to advancing medical knowledge, training the next generation of health care professionals, and increasing access to world-class care and clinical expertise in our community and beyond."

Sunway University Launches Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School to Revolutionize Medical Education in Malaysia

Sunway University proudly announces the launch of the Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School, a bold new initiative that signals a transformative leap in Malaysia's medical education landscape. With a firm focus on teaching and research excellence, ethical leadership, and pioneering innovation, the medical school is set to equip the next generation of healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to address the evolving demands of global healthcare systems. The launch of the Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School follows the establishment of the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre (JCBC) in Cambridge, reinforcing Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah's commitment to advancing world-class education and biomedical research. The launch ceremony on 7 May 2025 at Sunway University was officiated by Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, and attended by Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group. The event also welcomed the presence of international ambassadors, underscoring the global significance of this initiative. A highlight of the launch was the White Coat Ceremony for the inaugural cohort of medical students, who also took the Hippocratic Oath, a symbolic and meaningful rite of passage marking their official induction into the medical profession. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme at Sunway University offers a dynamic, future-ready medical curriculum anchored by immersive clinical training at Sunway Medical Centre, a leading private quaternary hospital. Here, students gain hands-on experience in patient care, translating medical knowledge into real-world practical skills. The programme also fosters inter professional collaboration, preparing students to work effectively within diverse healthcare teams for a holistic understanding of patient care. With a strong emphasis on clinical and translational research, sustainability and planetary health in medicine, digital healthcare technology including precision medicine and application of artificial intelligence in medicine, students are equipped to lead in tech-enabled healthcare environments. Beyond the hospital, the programme encourages community engagement through initiatives like the Desa Mentari Project, nurturing socially responsible medical professionals dedicated to service and impact. Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University, expressed his enthusiasm for this landmark development: "The launch of the Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to shape future-ready healthcare professionals. Our goal is to develop doctors and researchers who not only excel in medical knowledge and clinical skills but who are also equipped to lead with integrity, empathy, and innovation. This school will be a catalyst for transformative research, global collaboration, and sustainable healthcare solutions that benefit communities in Malaysia and beyond." With its future-ready medical curriculum, state-of-the-art clinical training, digital fluency, and global research collaborations, the Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School is set to become a leading institution in medical education across Asia. Its launch marks a new era of medical education innovation—one that supports the development of sustainable, technology-enhanced, and community-driven healthcare solutions for the future.

CHIME Unveils New Membership Model to Expand Access for Digital Health Leaders at All Levels

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), the professional home for senior digital health leaders for more than 30 years, is unveiling an evolved membership model that creates access to its trusted leadership community—supporting digital health professionals at every level of their leadership journey. The evolution comes in direct response to the voices of CHIME's members, advisors, and Board leaders, who recognized the need to preserve the executive experience CHIME is known for and expand its reach to rising professionals shaping the future of healthcare. "This is about building the future of healthcare by investing in the people who are shaping it—today and tomorrow," said Tressa Springmann, Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer for LifeBridge Health and 2025 Chair of the CHIME Board of Trustees. "We heard our members ask for clearer leadership pathways, more ways to support their teams, and a stronger bridge between established and emerging leaders. This reflects exactly that—without changing the integrity, trust, or exclusivity that defines CHIME." This evolved approach offers both individual and organizational membership options, giving organizations greater flexibility to support and engage digital health leaders across their teams.