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Dr. Maryjean Schenk, '77

Dr. Maryjean Schenk, '77

Dr. Maryjean Schenk has dedicated nearly three decades to the field of medicine. She is a leader, advisor and a mentor who has made notable accomplishments in the areas of family medicine and cancer epidemiology research. She is currently Vice Dean for Medical Education at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Schenk earned a bachelor of science in chemistry from Grand Valley State University in 1977 and finished her medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) in 1983. After completing a fellowship in New York and practicing medicine in Virginia, Schenk returned to Michigan to join the faculty of WSUSOM in 1991 when she accepted a position as assistant professor in the family and occupational medicine residency programs. She also served as a research scientist there, at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. By 1993, she had both a masters in Public Health and a master of science in Industrial Health.

In 1997, Schenk was promoted to the director of clinical curriculum development. During this time, she also chaired several organizations such as the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the WSU Physician Group. In 2006, when WSUSOC merged two departments, Schenk was appointed the inaugural chair of the new Department of Family Medicine. Schenk has also held the position of interim associate dean of academic and student programs. 

In addition to her daily tasks as vice dean, Schenk serves on a variety of boards and committees, including the American Cancer Society's National Board of Directors. The author of more than 15 nationally funded grants, 40 published articles, and recipient of numerous awards, Schenks leadership and research is proof of her unwavering dedication to her craft.

She currently resides in China, Michigan with her husband and has two daughters, one of whom will graduate from GVSU in December.

Updated September 2012.

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Page last modified October 25, 2013