A new medical school curriculum, adapting to electronic medical records, more yoga and extra servings of fruits and vegetables these are all on the 2013 agenda for Dr. Marsha Rappley, the dean of Michigan State Universitys College of Human Medicine.

Rappley plays a key role in shaping the practice of medicine on a local, state and national level. This spring, the expanding medical school will reach full capacity and graduate 200 students for the first time.

In addition to leading the College of Human Medicine, she is chair-elect of the Council of Deans of the Association of American Medical Colleges. She serves on the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the accrediting authority for U.S. medical schools. And she is on the board of directors of the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs.

In a question-and-answer session, Rappley discussed some key health care issues for the coming year. And she shared her goals to eat healthier and exercise more amid the daily stresses of a demanding job.

What innovations in medical school education would you like to see considered and possibly implemented this year? This year the College of Human Medicine will pilot an innovative curriculum that is designed to keep students in close contact with the needs of patients, and to learn the science, critical thinking, the skill and the art of medicine within that immediate context, from the first day of medical school. Traditionally, students begin with two years of the sciences, problem-based learning and simulated patient medical education, followed by two years of clinical experience in hospitals and clinics. With our new curriculum, each day students will learn the science in a multimedia classroom and its application in clinical settings.

Related: Dr. Marsha Rappley elected to lead national council of deans Five Grand Rapids health stories to remember from 2012 Five Grand Rapids health headlines we expect to read in 2013

Across the country, medical schools are creating new programs to help students develop as problem solvers, physicians who tackle the big problems of health, disease and delivery of care. We will see positive changes in creating the physician workforce that America needs, in reducing the cost of a medical education, and increasing the accountability of all that we do in health care.

The College of Human Medicine graduates its first class of 200 students this spring, completing the expansion of the school in Grand Rapids and East Lansing. How is the college fitting into Grand Rapids medical mile?

Books she is reading:

Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell How a Dog Became the Dog, from Wolves to our Best Friends, by Mark Derr The Seasons of Emmalee, by Michael Lindley

Originally posted here:

Health care reform and extra veggies: MSU College of Human Medicine dean Marsha Rappley looks ahead to 2013