Dean

Amy L. Waer, MD, FACS, MPSA '23 has served as dean of the Texas A&M School of Medicine since January 1, 2021. She came to the School of Medicine as vice dean of education and academic programs in February 2018 and was named interim dean in September 2019.

Under her leadership, the School of Medicine has improved in the national rankings and has seen growth in key areas: external research funding, student enrollment, medical school campuses, graduate medical education programs, graduate student programs, and clinical practice.

In addition, the effort she spearheaded to improve all aspects of the school’s teaching and learning process—the Learning Environment Enrichment Program—received national attention and is being scaled up for all 85,000+ Texas A&M students, faculty, and staff. Now known as the Aggie Way Engagement Program, the effort should be in place throughout the university by the end of 2025.

An advocate of lifelong learning, Dr. Waer earned an executive master’s degree from The Bush School of Government and Public Service in Public Service and Administration at Texas A&M in 2023. She graduated with the Dean’s Leadership Certificate and was selected by her classmates to be the keynote speaker at graduation.

Prior to coming to Texas A&M, Dr. Waer spent several decades gaining medical education and surgical experience, first with a private group general surgery practice in Virginia, followed by 14 years at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center College of Medicine. Her roles in Arizona included surgery clerkship director, surgery residency program director, chair of general surgery, chief medical officer, medical director for the Arizona Telehealth Program, associate dean for curricular affairs, and interim assistant vice president of interprofessional education, collaborative practice, and community engagement.

Dr. Waer holds numerous professional certifications, including being an associate member of the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, a member of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. A noted scholar, educator, and leader, Waer has received numerous awards, including:

· Fellow, Drexel University Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program (the first from Texas A&M)

· Selection into the Texas A&M Academy of Distinguished Medical Educators

· Charles W. Putnam Teaching Award

· Charles F. Zukoski Award for Outstanding Role Model in Surgery

Dr. Waer received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Arizona. Her research and clinical interests have focused on surgery, surgical education, and breast surgery (specifically, breast cancer prevention and early detection).