OCT. 18, 2001 | A section of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has elected the executive associate dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as its next national chair. Richard P. Wheeler, M.D.

Richard P. Wheeler, M.D., a professor of medicine and executive associate dean for student and academic affairs, will serve one year as vice chair, a second year as chair-elect, and then three years as chair of the Group on Student Affairs (GSA). Upon learning of the honor, Dr. Wheeler commented, “When I was very active in the practice of medicine I was proud of the impact I could have on patients by taking care of them. Now, in my role in the College of Medicine, I feel that I am having a much broader impact on patients – not by caring for them directly, but by helping to nurture the young people as they become the physicians of tomorrow. ”Besides, working with these wonderful young people makes me feel like I did when I was young – that all things are indeed possible.” The GSA is the oldest professional group within the AAMC. It represents medical schools and medical students in the areas of admissions, student affairs, financial aid, minority affairs, and student records. The GSA advises the AAMC on matters of policy in those areas. The group also monitors trends in medical education. Dr. Wheeler has served on the AAMC’s Electronic Residency Application Service Advisory Committee and as chair of the Southern Region of the GSA. He has been a member of the Medical School Liaison Committee of the National Board of Medical Examiners. Links on This Page College of Medicine: http://www.uams.edu/com/ Association of American Medical Colleges: http://www.aamc.org/