Following a nationwide search, Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS, has been named dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah and chief academic physician at University of Utah Health, effective May 1, 2026.
Since being named interim dean in 2025, Callis Duffin provided steady, strategic leadership during a period of growth and transition for the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. She worked closely with University of Utah Health leadership to strengthen alignment across clinical care, education, and research, while prioritizing faculty well-being and engagement. Known for her emphasis on culture, transparency, and trust, she fostered an environment where faculty, staff, and learners can thrive and contribute to the school’s continued momentum and impact.
“I am honored to serve as dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and to build on the extraordinary work already underway across our institution,” Callis Duffin said. “I believe deeply in leading with humility, curiosity, and collaboration—listening first and working together to solve complex challenges. Looking ahead, I am excited to expand the reach and impact of the school, strengthening how we serve our communities across Utah and beyond through education, discovery, and compassionate care.”
Callis Duffin is a nationally recognized physician-scientist, educator, and academic leader with a longstanding commitment to advancing patient care, research, and training. Before joining the University of Utah faculty in 2006, she completed her medical degree at the University of Washington, followed by internal medicine residency and chief residency at Maine Medical Center and dermatology training at the University of Utah. She is internationally regarded for her expertise in psoriasis, leading more than 60 clinical trials. Her national leadership includes service with the American Academy of Dermatology, the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, and as president of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis). As a graduate of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program, Callis Duffin is widely recognized for her commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and innovation.
While serving as interim dean in 2025, Callis Duffin strengthened alignment, engagement, and strategic growth across the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. She advanced key chair appointments and national searches while maintaining a strong presence across the institution. She prioritized people and community, aligning student wellness efforts and exploring national models to support professionalism and learner success. In research, she supported foundational science initiatives and helped launch new programs and interdisciplinary collaborations. She also advanced key education and workforce priorities, including planning for the new medical school building, supporting regional partnerships, and strengthening relationships across academic and community stakeholders. Her leadership during this period reinforces a culture of collaboration, accountability, and shared purpose.
“Dr. Callis Duffin is an authentic and highly respected leader who demonstrates a deep commitment to the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and its mission,” said Bob Carter, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences at University of Utah Health. “Over the past year, she led with clarity, collaboration, and purpose, engaging our faculty, staff, and learners while advancing key priorities across education, research, and clinical care. Following a rigorous national search, it is clear she is the right person to lead the school into its next chapter.”