Jimenez named dean at ARCOM

Dr. Shannon Jimenez has been appointed as the new dean of Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM). She is the senior associate dean for ARCOM, succeeds Dr. Rance McLain, and begins in the role effective June 1.

Prior to joining ARCOM, Jimenez was the inaugural chair of Clinical Medicine and interim dean at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and was also the regional assistant dean and Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Campbell University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“I am honored and excited to lead ARCOM as it continues to serve the region as a leading educator of osteopathic medical students,” Jimenez said in a statement.

She has years of experience in rural workforce issues and in growing a practice from conception to a thriving practice. Jimenez received her medical training in family medicine in Michigan and spent 20 years practicing in rural North Carolina before moving to Texas. She is a Health Policy Fellow and a Costin Scholar with a specialization in rural workforce concerns.

“Dr. Jimenez brings years of medical education experience, and I am thrilled to have her lead ARCOM as it continues to serve this region as a leading educator of healthcare professionals,” Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) President and CEO Kyle Parker said in a statement. “I have full confidence in Dr. Jimenez as she takes the role of Dean from Rance McClain, DO, who will continue his osteopathic medical education career as the Senior Vice President of Medical Education for the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.”

ACHE was formed when Fort Smith-based Degen Foundation used part of $70 million from the sale of Sparks Health System in November 2009 to what was then Naples, Fla.-based Health Management Associates to build the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) at Chaffee Crossing. The $32.4 million college and its 103,000 square feet is now home to 600 medical students. ACHE has a mission of educating healthcare professionals through its programs: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM), Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSB), Master of Public Health (MPH), School of Physical Therapy (ACHE PT), and the School of Occupational Therapy (ACHE OT). The ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center (RI) will be used for biomedical research and targeted health and wellness initiatives.