‘Best four-and-a-half years of my career:’ Mezwa retires as dean of OUWB
When Duane Mezwa, M.D., annually welcomes OUWB’s matriculating class, he uses his own professional journey to make a point — the field of medicine affords almost endless possibilities.
It’s how, says Mezwa, he built an impressive career that includes, among other things, becoming a renowned radiologist, leading one of the largest radiology departments in the U.S., and eventually being named second dean of OUWB.
He’ll soon add another chapter to the story.
Mezwa retires Sept. 4. He’ll stay close to OUWB — and not just physically — but is finally taking his foot off the proverbial gas pedal to focus on the thing he values more than anything: spending time with family.
He leaves OUWB at what he calls “a very good point.”
“OUWB is on the map,” says Mezwa. “I look at how our students place into their residencies, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Even more important to Mezwa, he says, are the kind of doctors that come out of OUWB.
“I’m proud that when you start to ask people around the country what they know about OUWB, they identify us through the kind, caring, compassionate doctor that we help nurture to create,” says Mezwa. “It’s exactly what was envisioned when the school started.”
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have led OUWB,” he adds.
“I often tell people it’s been the best four-and-a-half years of my career.”
(Only partial stories are posted here with hopes to provide a brief overview and introduction to my most recent work. The full version of this story may be found on the OUWB InMedicine site here.)
