2026 School of Medicine Strategic Plan
In fall 2025, under the leadership of Dean Helen Boucher, Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) launched the development of a new strategic plan to guide the school through 2031. This initiative builds on TUSM’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 |
| Richard Freeman, Jr., MD, MHL | Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Surgery |
| MaryPat Lohse, PhD | Interim Executive Associate Dean |
| Kristin Tommey | Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations |
Strategic Plan Initiative Overview
This page will be updated regularly as the strategic planning process evolves, continue to check back for new developments.
Questions?
If you would like to be involved, or have questions or feedback, please contact the steering committee at tusmstrategicplan@tufts.edu.