Salt Lake City, UT — The Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences (DPAES) at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, is pleased to announce that Darin T. Ryujin, MS, MPAS, PA-C, has been appointed as the inaugural Vice Chair for Advocacy, Success and Impact.
A seasoned educator, clinician, and nationally recognized leader in academic medicine and community engagement, Professor Ryujin brings over two decades of experience to this new leadership role. He currently serves as Professor (Clinical) in the Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences at the University of Utah and has held numerous leadership positions, including Director of Culture and Engagement and Vice Chair for Collaborative Initiatives.
In his new role, Professor Ryujin will lead the Division’s efforts to cultivate a culture of advocacy that drives innovation, success, and impact across educational, clinical, research, and community engagement domains. His responsibilities will include serving as the Division’s liaison for advocacy, culture, community, workforce development, and success initiatives across the Health Sciences Campus and leading efforts to build a community of advocacy that supports transformative work in education, clinical care, research, and service.
Professor Ryujin’s appointment reflects his longstanding dedication to student success, community engagement, and advancing excellence in health professions education. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping national conversations around holistic admissions, faculty and staff development, and culturally responsive education in physician assistant programs.
“Professor Ryujin has a remarkable ability to bring people together and inspire meaningful change,” said Leigh Elrod, Division Chair. “His leadership will help us continue to grow a learning environment where students, faculty, and staff thrive and where our work has a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
Please join us in congratulating Professor Darin T. Ryujin on this well-earned appointment and in supporting his vision for a more impactful future in health professions education.