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As interim dean, Callis Duffin will be responsible for faculty well-being and exceptional faculty experiences while overseeing all operations and finances at the SFESOM. She will work in partnership with the Senior Vice President for �ǿմ�ý Sciences and other U �ǿմ�ý leaders to recruit, select, and appoint the next permanent dean for the SFESOM.

Since being named chair of the Department of Dermatology in 2020, Callis Duffin has led the department through remarkable growth and innovation. Under her leadership, the department launched new fellowship programs in Mohs surgery, pediatric dermatology, and allergy/immunology—efforts aligned with a bold goal to become one of the top 10 dermatology training programs in the country. She has advanced digital innovation through the development of a Center for Cutaneous Imaging and Digital Dermatopathology and strengthened the department’s administrative and financial infrastructure.

Under Callis Duffin’s leadership, the department also marked 10 years of dermatology and allergy/immunology care at the Midvalley �ǿմ�ý Center, with future renovation plans already underway. In the past year alone, her team led over 130 community-engaged events—from skin cancer screenings and health fairs to Pride and volunteer clinics—reflecting a deep commitment to public outreach. Research has also flourished under her leadership, with a BRIMR ranking of #13 nationally, bolstered by $4.8M in extramural funding and 29 clinical trials in a single year. She will continue in her role as chair of the department during her interim term.

Callis Duffin brings a distinguished career as a physician, investigator, educator, and national leader to her new role as interim dean. After earning her medical degree from the University of Washington and completing internal medicine residency and chief residency at Maine Medical Center, she trained in dermatology at the University of Utah, joining the faculty in 2006. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in psoriasis, leading more than 60 clinical trials and holding leadership roles in key professional organizations, including: the Nominating Committee and several quality-focused workgroups within the American Academy of Dermatology, Vice Chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, and president of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis). She completed an ELAM (Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine) fellowship in 2022 and continues to be a champion of clinical excellence, collaborative research, and mentorship. Additionally, she was honored as a 2022 Utah Business Woman of the Year. Her work continues to shape dermatologic care and education locally and nationally.

“Dr. Callis Duffin is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who has consistently advanced clinical excellence, academic achievement, and innovative research,” remarked Bob Carter, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President for �ǿմ�ý Sciences at University of Utah �ǿմ�ý. “She brings people together around a shared vision and fosters a strong sense of purpose and accountability. Her steady leadership and deep commitment to our mission make her exceptionally qualified to guide the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine during this important time. I’m grateful for her willingness to take on this role.”

During his time as interim dean, Sam Finlayson, MD, MPH, MBA provided thoughtful and forward-looking leadership through a period of transition and growth. He re-established an independent medical school dean’s office, successfully separating it from the Senior Vice President role both administratively and financially. Under his leadership, five outstanding department chairs (including one interim) and two independent division chiefs were appointed, strengthening the school’s academic and clinical leadership. He guided the successful reorganization of the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine and its integration with the Community Physician Group, enhancing coordination across departments and practices.

Finlayson also advanced a bold vision for expanding the school’s community presence, including a clinical collaboration with CommonSpirit that brought university physicians to Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City. Finally, he played a key role in launching the Southern Utah Regional Medical Campus, securing ongoing legislative funding and leading efforts to expand the medical school class to meet growing statewide needs.

Callis Duffin will continue in her role as chair while U of U �ǿմ�ý  conducts a national search for a new dean at the SFESOM.