An ‘unwavering commitment to education:’ Daniel Clinchot, MD, leaves lasting impact on the College of Medicine
Over his 35-year career at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Daniel Clinchot, MD, has had no shortage of memorable moments. He created a new department, navigated the ups and downs of building the brand new Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Center (IHSC), treated brain injury survivors, cared for the incarcerated and celebrated the college’s centennial, among countless other highlights.
But his best memories? Graduation days.
“It’s just amazing to see and reflect on the development of learners from when they come in to when they graduate,” says Dr. Clinchot, who is also the vice dean for Education in the Ohio State College of Medicine. “To know that you’re training the next generation of health care providers is very humbling. Those are my best memories.”
That comes as little surprise to the faculty, staff and learners who know Dr. Clinchot as a consummate supporter of students and a champion of medical education.
“While Dan has always had an excellent view of how the college should position itself for the future, he has never lost his focus on the students,” says Judith Westman, MD, medical director of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program and former associate dean for Medical Education. “He could be counted on time and time again to counsel students with wisdom and compassion.”
After more than three decades, Dr. Clinchot is retiring from the College of Medicine at the end of February. He plans to return to the Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy as an emeritus faculty member after serving as its inaugural chair for nine years, and he will continue to see patients in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department.
“Dr. Clinchot has long demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the education mission in the College of Medicine,” says Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, dean of the College of Medicine. “While his visionary leadership has been indispensable to our teaching mission, his compassion and empathy have fostered a nurturing, inclusive and truly exceptional learning community. His impact will be felt for years to come, and we will miss him greatly.”
A legacy in medical education
Through his leadership roles and service on countless resident and student training committees, Dr. Clinchot leaves an indelible mark on the college’s educational programs. As vice dean for Education, he has overseen undergraduate education, medical education, continuing medical education and graduate and research education.
He was pivotal to the creation of the Lead. Serve. Inspire. medical school curriculum providing comprehensive education from the lecture hall to the bedside and into the community. Among many high points, Dr. Clinchot developed the Community Health Education component of the curriculum, in which students complete a yearlong project with the objective of improving the health of a specific underserved population in greater central Ohio. Since 2012, approximately 2,400 students have provided approximately 72,000 hours of community service in local communities.
“Our college would not be what it is today if it had not been for Dr. Clinchot’s insight, advocacy and input,” says Demicha Rankin, MD, associate dean for Admissions at the College of Medicine. “There have been remarkable changes in the way curriculum is delivered, and there are intentional efforts to ensure objectivity, fairness and inclusivity are woven into the student experience.”
Among his many impactful roles, Dr. Clinchot also designed and served as the first medical director of the Clinical Skills Education and Assessment Center (CSEAC), a comprehensive medical simulation facility that empowers students to develop the skills necessary to provide high-quality care. He oversaw the creation of the Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy, which he developed as a home to a diverse faculty whose primary mission is teaching and building innovative biomedical curricula. He was a founding faculty member of the undergraduate Biomedical Science program, one of the first of its kind in the nation. He is also the Harry C. and Mary Elizabeth Powelson Professor of Medicine, an endowed professorship aimed at providing tutorial services for worthy medical students in need.
Among medical colleges, there is often a strong focus on clinical care and research, and education can sometimes be perceived as the third priority, says Ryan Nash, MD, MA, FACP, associate professor of Biomedical Education and Anatomy and director of The Ohio State University Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities. That hasn’t been the case with Dr. Clinchot at the helm, he says.
“Dan has succeeded in many ways in making education more on par with the other pillars of our mission,” Dr. Nash says. “Educationally, the College of Medicine is in a very good position, and he’ll be handing off a very healthy, robust program.”
Dr. Clinchot’s colleagues and students alike have long recognized his excellence in teaching. He was named Teacher of the Year by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residents four times; was twice recognized by the College of Medicine with an Excellence in Teaching Award; and in 2020 received the college’s Mary Beth Fontana Wise, MD, Master Teacher Award.
Most recently, Dr. Clinchot was honored with the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges, recognizing outstanding contributions to medical education by gifted teachers.
“Dr. Clinchot has expertly shepherded the college’s education mission through whatever choppy waters might be in front of us, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Sheryl Pfeil, MD, clinical professor of Internal Medicine and medical director of the CSEAC. “His prioritization of our learners will be felt for a long time.”
Clinical care and a career-long commitment to the incarcerated
In addition to his long career in medical education, Dr. Clinchot has made extensive clinical and research contributions in the areas of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries as a professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
“Caring for brain injury survivors is something I’m incredibly proud of,” says Dr. Clinchot.
As Dr. Clinchot’s educational roles and responsibilities changed, his time devoted to administrative work steadily grew. But even as his capacity for clinical work reduced, he remained steadfast in providing care to Ohio’s prison population. What began as an assignment when he was a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation resident in 1991 has continued throughout his career. Today, his work with Ohio’s prison population makes up the entirety of his clinical care, and he will continue it during retirement.
“I give them the best care that I could give, just as I would give anybody else,” says Dr. Clinchot, noting prison care is an important teaching point for learners. “You get to see a very different population of people with health care needs.”
“If we don’t take good care of them while they’re incarcerated, then we’re not setting them up for success for when they’ve served their sentence,” he says.
An inspiring leader with a penchant for cardigans
Those who’ve worked with Dr. Clinchot appreciate him as a humble and collaborative leader and kind listener.
“Dr. Clinchot inspires others in the way that he actively listens to issues and offers thoughtful and fair solutions.” Dr. Rankin says. “His leadership style is one that comes from a long institutional memory, compassion, empathy, perspective-taking and understanding.”
Dr. Clinchot is the consummate professional, leader, advisor, encourager and friend, says Dr. Nash.
“All the skills, experience and expertise he brings is undergirded by his extreme humility,” says Dr. Nash. “He does not seek the spotlight, but he rejoices in the success of others, be it students, faculty or others in the community.”
Faculty and staff in the College of Medicine recently surprised Dr. Clinchot ahead of his retirement by donning cardigans — a staple of his wardrobe — and posing for a group photo in celebration of his long career and good nature.
There’s no question in Dr. Clinchot’s mind about what he’ll miss the most as he enters retirement.
“The people. Our talented faculty, dedicated staff, and in particular, the learners. I will miss them greatly,” he says.
