Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University have appointed Brenessa Lindeman, M.D., M.E.H.P., as Executive Dean of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. She will assume the role in October 2026, becoming the fourth executive dean since the program was founded in 2002.

Dr. Lindeman will lead the college’s distinctive five-year physician-investigator medical education program, with responsibility for enhancing the student experience while overseeing its academic, administrative and financial operations. She will also hold a professorial appointment at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, with details to be announced later.

First Woman and Surgeon to Lead Program

Lindeman succeeds J. Harry Isaacson, M.D., who served as executive dean from 2018 to 2025 and guided the institution through substantial growth and educational innovation.

Her appointment marks two milestones for the college: she is the first surgeon and first woman to serve as executive dean.

“Dr. Lindeman is an inspiring leader and a highly regarded educator and surgeon,” said James Stoller, M.D., M.S., Chief of Education at Cleveland Clinic. He highlighted her commitment to improving medical education and student experiences as key strengths for the program’s next phase.

Stan Gerson, M.D., Dean of the School of Medicine, also praised Lindeman’s expertise in competency-based assessment, including Entrustable Professional Activities, saying her experience will strengthen the college’s innovative educational environment.

Extensive Academic and Clinical Experience

Lindeman joins Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she has held several leadership and academic positions since 2017. She currently serves as Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Surgery, Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics and Medical Education, Program Director of the Endocrine Surgery Fellowship and Assistant Dean of Graduate Medical Education.

She earned her medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine before completing general surgery residency at Johns Hopkins University, where she served as Administrative Chief Resident. She subsequently completed an endocrine surgery fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and earned a Master of Education in Health Professions from Johns Hopkins.

Focus on Medical Education Innovation

An internationally recognized scholar in health professions education, Lindeman’s research examines how competencies can be effectively assessed and developed throughout medical training.

Her work spans competency-based assessment, learner development, physician wellness, learning environments, resident supervision and autonomy. Through extensive research and scholarship, she has contributed to evidence-based approaches for preparing and evaluating future physicians.

The Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine is a tuition-free program within Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine and is nationally recognized for developing physician-scientists and advancing medical education.

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