Brett Kissela Appointed New Dean of the Medical College of Wisconsin's School of Medicine

Brett Kissela Takes the Helm at Medical College of Wisconsin

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Brett Kissela as the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Julia A. Uihlein Dean of the School of Medicine, effective September 1, 2026. This decision comes after a comprehensive national search, and it positions Dr. Kissela to impact one of the largest private medical schools in the United States.

Dr. Kissela is not just a recognized name in the field of neurology; he is also a stroke epidemiologist and clinician-scientist with years of experience leading academic medical institutions. His leadership roles have taken him to the University of Cincinnati, where he served as the Executive Vice Dean of the College of Medicine among other significant positions. His focus on building high-performing teams and delivering measurable outcomes in complex healthcare environments aligns with MCW's objectives.

In his new role, Dr. Kissela is tasked with shaping a strategic vision for the School of Medicine, a vision centered on collaboration between MCW and its clinical partners. His priorities will span advancing scientific research, ensuring the highest quality education for future health professionals, enhancing financial stability, and deepening MCW's engagement within the Wisconsin community.

“Dr. Kissela’s proven track record will uniquely position him to navigate the complexities of academic health systems and drive alignment across various stakeholders,” remarked Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, MCW's president and CEO. He further emphasized the critical importance of Dr. Kissela’s role in ensuring sustained excellence and nurturing an environment conducive to innovation.

Reflecting on his ambitions for MCW, Dr. Kissela expressed, “The foundations of the Medical College of Wisconsin are strong, and our potential is extraordinary. We aspire to be the most trusted, community-connected, AI-enabled academic health system in America.” His vision highlights a future where healthcare delivery is more efficient, education is revolutionary, and outcomes are no longer determined by geography.

As Dr. Kissela transitions into his new leadership position, many will be watching closely to see how his vision unfolds at MCW. His plans include initiatives that would allow discoveries to translate quickly into patient care and train the next generation of physicians using innovative methodologies that embrace advances in technology and healthcare delivery.

With a commitment to bettering healthcare for the community and beyond, Dr. Kissela’s leadership may well set new benchmarks in medical education and research, moving MCW closer to its goal of enhancing the overall health of populations.

In conclusion, Dr. Brett Kissela embodies the vision of growth and community-focused healthcare initiatives at the Medical College of Wisconsin. His background, experience, and aspirations make him a promising addition to an institution that continues to strive for excellence in medical education and patient care, preparing future generations to meet the challenges of the evolving healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

As the world of medicine continues to change and evolve, the leadership at institutions like the Medical College of Wisconsin becomes crucial in molding effective future healthcare professionals. Dr. Kissela's appointment marks a significant step in that direction, and his endeavors will surely shape the future of healthcare in Wisconsin and beyond.