Keck School of Medicine of USC Dean Carmen A. Puliafito recently announced that Thomas Buchanan, M.D., director of the SC CTSI, will serve as Interim Vice Dean for Research for the Keck School. 

The announcement came after news that Vice Dean of Research Elizabeth Fini was stepping down to assume a full time directorship of the Institute for Genetic Medicine, effective June 1, 2012. 

As Interim Vice Dean for Research, Buchanan will be responsible for overseeing the Office of Research Advancement, which is responsible for implementing the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s strategic plan for research. The office promotes and coordinates research activities across the enterprise and provides services to support the efforts of the faculty. Dr. Buchanan will work with the office to ensure that all processes are carried out seamlessly during this transition period.

Buchanan currently holds positions as director of the SC CTSI, professor of medicine, and associate dean for clinical research in the Keck School of Medicine of USC.