2026 School of Medicine Strategic Plan
In fall 2025, under the leadership of Dean Helen Boucher, Tufts University School of Medicine launched the development of a new strategic plan to guide the school through 2031. This initiative builds on the School of Medicine's longstanding strengths in education, research, clinical care, and community impact, while embracing new opportunities to shape the future of academic medicine. Initial goals of the plan include:
- Revolutionize health education with a forward-looking, accessible, and distinctive portfolio.
- Advance the frontiers of health-related research, expanding our capacity and impact.
- Elevate the TUSM brand, strengthening our identity and inspiring pride across Tufts and beyond.
- Create the infrastructure and partnerships to bring our vision to life.
To lead the development of the strategic plan, Dean Helen Boucher has appointed a Strategic Planning Steering Committee composed of leaders from across Tufts University School of Medicine. Co-led by Dr. Michael Chin, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Heather Gasper, Executive Director in the Office of the Dean; and Professor Margie Skeer, Chair of the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, the committee is charged with guiding data collection, reviewing stakeholder input, and helping prioritize goals for leadership consideration.
Steering Committee
| Helen W. Boucher, MD, FACP, FIDSA, Hon FRCPI (Initiative Owner) | Dean of Tufts University School of Medicine |
| Michael Chin, MD, PhD (Lead) | Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences |
| Heather Gasper (Lead) | Executive Director, Office of the Dean |
| Margie Skeer, ScD, MPH, MSW (Lead) | Chair and Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine |
| Scott Epstein, MD | Director of Continuous Quality Improvement & Accreditation, Medical Director of the PA Program |
| Deborah Erlich, MD, MMedEd, FAAFP | Interim Vice Dean of Academic Affairs |
| MaryPat Lohse, PhD | Executive Associate Dean |
Strategic Plan Initiative Overview
Draft Strategic Plan Recommendations
After months of broad engagement with our entire community, a set of draft recommendations has been developed to help guide the school’s next chapter. These draft recommendations reflect the ideas, priorities, and aspirations shared across our community. They are intended to serve as a starting point for continued discussion, refinement, and alignment before a final strategic plan is developed.
View the Draft Strategic Plan Recommendations
Share Your Feedback
Community input remains essential to shaping a strategic plan that is clear in its direction, grounded in Tufts School of Medicine’s strengths, and informed by diverse perspectives. During this phase of the strategic planning effort, community members may share feedback on the draft recommendations.
- Comment period deadline: April 24, 2026
- Email feedback: tusmstrategicplan@tufts.edu
Questions?
If you would like to be involved, or have questions or feedback, please contact the steering committee at tusmstrategicplan@tufts.edu.