Dear Faculty, Staff and Students, 

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Toby Eisenstein, a beloved member of our faculty. Beyond her acumen as a scientist and researcher, Dr. Eisenstein was a mentor, a cherished colleague, an inspiring teacher and a caring and generous member of our Temple family. Her legacy is one of relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering support for her students and peers.  

Her academic journey began at Wellesley College and continued at Bryn Mawr College, where she earned her PhD in 1969. Her temporary position at Temple in that same year turned into a lifelong commitment, as she balanced the demands of a rigorous academic career with the joy of her family life.

Throughout her 50 years at Temple, Dr. Eisenstein’s research spanned from developing vaccines for typhoid fever and Legionnaires’ disease to exploring the intersection of IV drug use and HIV. Her work in understanding the effects of opioids on the immune system led to the establishment of the Center for Substance Abuse Research, which she co-directed with distinction. Her contributions to our school and her field were celebrated in a portrait unveiling in October 2019. 

 As our community grieves her loss, contributions in her memory may be made to the Toby K. Eisenstein Endowed Fund the Center for Substance Abuse Research, helping to continue her exceptional work fostering discoveries that improve lives and advance our understanding of addiction.  

With deepest sympathy, 

 

Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS
The Marjorie Joy Katz Dean
Lewis Katz School of Medicine
 

 

Ellen Unterwald, PhD 
Chair and Professor, Department of Neural Sciences 
Professor, Center for Substance Abuse Research 

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Naomi Rosenberg, MD, as the Assistant Dean for Narrative Medicine and Health Humanities at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, effective September 1, 2024.

A highly respected physician, educator and writer, Dr. Rosenberg earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Temple. In addition to her clinical work as an attending physician here since 2016, she has been at the forefront of integrating narrative medicine into our curriculum. As Director of the Narrative Medicine Program since 2022, she has led our groundbreaking narrative-based curriculum and certificate program that has become a model for medical education. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

From 2004 until his death in 2022, Dr. Rosenberg worked under Dr. Paul Farmer, a pioneer in community-based treatment strategies, in a variety of roles to advance health equity and expand access to high-quality, comprehensive health care for patients around the world. From 2007-2013, she directed the Right to Health Care program at the global health non-profit Partners In Health, and managed critical patient evacuations and long-term care following the 2010 Haiti earthquake as well as developing a model for community-based accompaniment of traumatically-injured and critically-ill immigrants and refugees. While at Temple, Dr. Rosenberg coordinated logistics for Operation Allies Welcome at Philadelphia International Airport in 2021, where she helped coordinate medical care for Afghan evacuees. Her contributions in these roles have earned her the Medal of Service from the Philadelphia Association of Haitian Churches in 2010 and the Rising Star Award from the Roosevelt Institute in 2014.

In her new role as Assistant Dean, Dr. Rosenberg will continue to expand the Narrative Medicine program, developing platforms for patients, students and staff to reflect on their experiences, supporting faculty across disciplines in integrating health humanities, and creating initiatives that deepen our community's involvement with narrative medicine while broadening the program’s influence and reputation.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rosenberg on this well-deserved appointment.

 

Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS
The Marjorie Joy Katz Dean
Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Claire Raab, MD
President & CEO
Temple Faculty Physicians

Earlier this year, the Katz School of Medicine began the self-study phase of the LCME reaccreditation process. This critical initiative is led by Gerald Sterling, PhD, Professor of Biomedical Education and Data Science, Thomas Kupp, Senior Advisor to the Dean and Ken Lee, Executive Director of Educational Affairs Administration. Together, they guide the Katz LCME task force, a multidisciplinary team composed of individuals from across the school, who reviewed all the LCME Accreditation Standards. The standards are organized into the following focus areas:

• Educational Programs: Standards 6-9
• Educational Resources: Standard 5
• Institutional Setting/Faculty: Standards 1, 2, 4
• Medical Student Support: Standards 3, 10-12

What’s Involved in the Reaccreditation Process?

The reaccreditation process requires a thorough self-study and completion of the Data Collection Instrument (DCI), followed by a site visit from an LCME survey team. The survey team’s findings will highlight areas of concern, including those needing additional monitoring or support. Based on this report, the LCME committee will determine the school’s accreditation status.

Key Components of the DCI Include:

• Executive Summary of the Self-Study
• DCI Narratives and Supporting Documentation
• Independent Student Analysis (ISA)
• Appendices

Where We Are Now in the LCME Reaccreditation Process

The  second draft of the DCI is currently being finalized. With guidance from external consultants and practice surveys, we are diligently preparing for the official site visit in April 2025. Ensuring full compliance with LCME standards remains a top priority, and we are committed to addressing student feedback and enhancing the educational experience.

The LCME reaccreditation process is a valuable opportunity for reflection, growth, and improvement. It allows us to ensure we deliver the highest quality education to our students while meeting the rigorous standards set by the LCME. We are grateful for the contributions of everyone involved and look forward to successfully completing this reaccreditation journey together.

Important Dates

• Data Collection Instrument (DCI) & Self-Study Report Due: December 2024
• LCME Reaccreditation Site Visit: April 6-9, 2025
• Site Visitors initial Exit Summary Report: late April, 2025
• LCME Accreditation Status Notification: Expected in October 2025

 

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress through this important reaccreditation process.

This award recognizes and highlights work done by faculty, and or/staff across the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Temple University Healthcare system.

Submit your nomination >

Nomination deadline is September 8, 2024, 11:59 pm