R. Dale Lefever, Ph.D.

Dr. Lefever was the first faculty member hired by Terence C. Davies, M.D., founding chair, when the Department was established in 1978. He retired in 2006.

Dr. Lefever came to the Department from the Association of American Medical Colleges, and has more than 30 years’ experience in medical and legal education, including extensive experience with faculty development and program evaluation. In recent years, Dr. Lefever has been responsible for strategic planning, managing the recruitment of faculty and overseeing new program development.

Dr. Lefever was the Department's first residency director. He also helped establish the elective M3 clerkship and other initial medical student offerings. His original title was director of educational development, but his involvement and influence extended far beyond the original intent and job description accompanying that title. Eventually he was named as assistant chair and worked on strategic planning and research development.