Ross Zafonte returns to Mizzou as School of Medicine Executive Vice Dean

Nov. 12, 2024

More than 30 years after completing his fellowship in research enrichment at the University of Missouri, Ross Zafonte is returning to mid-Missouri as the School of Medicine's executive vice dean.

In his role, Zafonte will oversee the development, supervision and assessment of the medical school's 23 academic departments, and will be instrumental in driving faculty recruitment, appointment, retention, evaluation, promotion, professional development and recognition. He will also collaborate with MU Health Care leadership to align and achieve the School of Medicine's shared goals, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

"It's an exciting opportunity, and I'm ready for a new challenge," Zafonte said. "I see this as an opportunity to do something different and influence a broader section of medicine. Dr. Richard Barohn and President Choi are both compelling leaders, and I was attracted to their vision for serving the state of Missouri while elevating the entire university."

A nationally and internationally recognized physician-scientist, Zafonte comes to Mizzou from Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, where he served as the president of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, and as the Earl P. and Ida S. Charlton Professor and chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Zafonte played a pivotal role in the establishment and leadership of the Mass General Brigham/Red Sox Foundation Home Base Program, dedicated to serving veterans with traumatic brain injuries and psychological health conditions. As the principal investigator of the landmark Football Players Health Study at Harvard, he has been at the forefront of research aimed at improving the health and well-being of athletes.

In his new role at Mizzou, Zafonte looks to implement his leadership philosophy to help strengthen relationships and the culture throughout the School of Medicine and MU Health Care.

MU School of Medicine