School of Medicine Formal Agreement
March 26, 2008
On March 26, 2008, with the approval of their respective boards, Hofstra University and North Shore-LIJ Health System entered into a formal agreement that established the School of Medicine, the first allopathic medical school in Nassau County and the first new medical school in the New York metropolitan area in more than 35 years. After a formal search, Dr. Lawrence Smith, nationally recognized for his leadership in medicine and medical education, was appointed as Founding Dean. Dr. Smith had served as the Chief Medical Officer of the Northwell Health System since September 1, 2006, and has continued, as Dean, in the position of Executive Vice President/Physician-in-Chief of Northwell Health. By holding a leadership role in both the University and Northwell, Dr. Smith facilitates a unified approach to maintaining a successful partnership, providing innovative leadership, and ensuring the seamless integration of classroom and clinical experiences.