SIU Names New Medical School Leader

Southern Illinois University has selected Ian B.K. Martin, M.D., M.B.A., FACEP, FAAEM, to serve as the next provost and dean of the SIU School of Medicine.

Martin will also serve as CEO of SIU Medicine, the school’s faculty practice.

He was selected following a national search. University officials cited his experience in academic and clinical leadership, health system strategy and mission-driven healthcare. Throughout the search process, Martin was described as a collaborative and forward-thinking leader with experience guiding academic health systems through growth, innovation and change.

“I am grateful for the committed groups and partners who helped shape this search process and shared their vision for the future of the School of Medicine," SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. "Their engagement reinforced just how important this institution is to the health and well-being of communities throughout our state. Dr. Martin brings a remarkable combination of leadership experience, academic excellence and a commitment to patient care that strongly aligns with our mission. I am excited to welcome him to the SIU family and look forward to seeing SIU School of Medicine continue to grow, innovate and serve."

SIU Medicine, the multispecialty faculty practice of SIU School of Medicine, includes more than 600 clinicians providing care throughout central and southern Illinois. In his new role, Martin will help lead the continued integration of patient care, medical education, research and innovation, and community partnerships.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Martin as we launch into the next era of healthcare leadership and innovation in our communities,” said Lucy Stafford, vice chair of SIU Medicine’s Healthcare Board. “His vision, collaborative leadership style and expertise in academic medicine and clinical operations will help strengthen SIU Medicine’s role as a leading provider of patient care.”

Martin currently serves as eminent scholar, professor with tenure and system chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He also serves as associate provost and senior associate dean in the Office of Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development.

Nationally, Martin serves as immediate past president of the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine and is a past president of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Martin earned degrees from Duke University, the Medical College of Pennsylvania-Hahnemann School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina's Keenan-Flagler Business School. He completed residency training in emergency medicine and general internal medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center and R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, where he later served as chief resident.

Before joining the Medical College of Wisconsin, Martin held leadership positions as a faculty member at Duke University School of Medicine, the UNC School of Medicine and West Virginia University School of Medicine.

During the search process, colleagues and stakeholders highlighted Martin’s interest in educating and mentoring future physicians, advancing research and innovation, and strengthening partnerships aimed at improving patient care and community health. University leaders said his experience in community and global health initiatives aligns with SIU Medicine’s mission to serve communities and improve health outcomes.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next provost, dean and CEO of SIU Medicine," Martin said. "I want to thank Chancellor Lane, the search committee, the faculty, staff, students and community partners for placing their trust and confidence in me. SIU School of Medicine has a remarkable legacy of innovation in medical education, excellence in patient care, impactful research and service to the people of central and southern Illinois. I am excited to join this distinguished institution and to work alongside its incredibly talented faculty, staff, learners and community partners to advance its mission. Together, we will build on SIU's many strengths, expand opportunities for education and discovery, strengthen clinical partnerships and continue our commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve. I look forward to listening, learning and beginning this important work together.”

Martin and his wife, Erica M. Arrington, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist and medical educator, are looking forward to joining the Springfield community and becoming active partners in the region’s healthcare and civic life.

Martin succeeds Jerry Kruse, M.D., MSPH, who is retiring after 43 years with SIU School of Medicine. Kruse has served as provost and dean since January 2016. University leaders recognized Kruse for helping guide the institution through a period of growth, innovation and transformation in healthcare and medical education.