A new endowed scholarship fund is being created in honor of Duane Mezwa, M.D. — the current dean of Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine set to soon retire.

At OUWB’s 2023 Commencement today, Ben Schwartz, M.D., MHCM, publicly announced creation of the Duane Mezwa, M.D., Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Recruitment Scholarship.

The scholarship will be fully endowed, with the interest generated supporting a full, four-year scholarship. The scholarship will be used to recruit top candidates from the state of Michigan.

Last week, Schwartz announced the plan to all Corewell Health East leaders and physicians.

“As a physician, the ability to be a participant in training the next generation of health care providers is an honor, a privilege, is something that gives us all tremendous personal fulfillment, and is something that we all take incredibly seriously,” Schwartz said in the video.

“There’s been no greater champion for us here in southeast Michigan — for health care and training the next generation — than Duane Mezwa,” he added.

Schwartz said “we are working with a shared goal of $2 million, with philanthropic support coming from both the Corewell Health Foundation — Southeast Michigan, and Oakland University.” (See info box for details on how to contribute.)

“I am very humbled and honored to have Corewell and OU partner to create this endowed scholarship,” said Mezwa. “This endowment will carry out the mission, vision and values of OUWB well into the future.”

“To know that a deserving student is now able to fully invest themselves in the study of medicine without the worries of a financial burden is truly gratifying,” he added. “It really feels wonderful to know that this legacy will help create the OUWB physician of the future. I am honored to be part of this effort.”

Mezwa is OUWB’s second dean. He was named Stephan Sharf Dean of OUWB in November, 2020, after serving as interim dean since February 2019.

Among other things, Mezwa led OUWB through the rigorous Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation process, which resulted in the medical school’s reaccreditation for eight years, the maximum amount of time awarded by LCME.

He also was instrumental in navigating OUWB through the challenges brought on by COVID-19, working with his administration and health care system partners at what is now Corewell Health to keep medical students learning in a safe environment and their education on track.

A Wayne State University School of Medicine graduate, Mezwa has been with Corewell Health and its predecessor, Beaumont Health, for more than 40 years. After completing residency with the system, Mezwa would go on to serve in various roles, including program director and vice chair for the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Molecular Imaging.

Mezwa has been involved in OUWB since its inception, having served on the inaugural Admissions Committee and as its vice chair. He has also served on the Deans Executive Committee and chaired the Student Performance Review Committee. Mezwa has also represented the clinical faculty to the AAMC as a member of the Council of Faculty and Academic Societies. He was the health system chair and physician executive of the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Molecular Imaging at OUWB until he was appointed interim dean.

Mezwa has written dozens of peer-reviewed articles, several books and chapters, and many scientific exhibits and presentations.

Schwartz called the scholarship “a tremendous way to honor Dr. Mezwa’s legacy, and make a lasting impression on future students as they go through their education.”

Claus Weimann, director of Philanthropy, OUWB, said the scholarship fund is important for several reasons.

“The Duane Mezwa, M.D., OUWB Recruitment Scholarship not only recognizes the dean's significant contributions to the field of medicine and medical education, but also serves as a lasting tribute to his dedication and leadership, inspiring future students to follow in his footsteps by fostering a culture of excellence within the school of medicine,” he said.

To contribute online via the Corewell Health Foundation, visit bit.ly/Mezwa2023.

For additional information, email Claus Weimann at [email protected].

To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.

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