Feature Stories
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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