David J. Skorton transitioned from clinical cardiology to high-level academic and institutional leadership, serving as the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Born in 1949 in Milwaukee, his professional trajectory spans the intersection of medical practice, engineering research, and the administration of major American educational and cultural foundations through the twenty-first century.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Following his graduation from Van Nuys High School, Skorton attended the University of California, Los Angeles before transferring to Northwestern University. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1970 and an M.D. from the Feinberg School of Medicine in 1974. His clinical training included a medical residency and a cardiology fellowship at UCLA, where he also served as chief medical resident. He entered academia in 1980 at the University of Iowa, where he secured appointments in internal medicine and later in electrical and computer engineering.
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Skorton rose through the administrative ranks at the University of Iowa, serving as vice president for research and vice president for external relations. In 2003, he became the university's 19th president. By 2006, he transitioned to Cornell University as its 12th president. During his nine-year tenure at Cornell, he oversaw a capital campaign that generated over $4 billion. He also prioritized structural institutional change through the Reimagining Cornell initiative and spearheaded the establishment of the Cornell NYC Tech campus on Roosevelt Island, a project involving a $2 billion investment.
Smithsonian and AAMC Appointments
In 2015, Skorton became the first physician to lead the Smithsonian Institution as its 13th Secretary. His term included the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He concluded his Smithsonian tenure in 2019 to accept the position of president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Throughout his career, he has maintained an active role in public policy, advocating for immigration reform, college affordability, and the integration of the humanities into professional scientific education.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Milwaukee
- Undergraduate Degree: Psychology, Northwestern University, 1970
- Medical Degree: Feinberg School of Medicine, 1974
- President of University of Iowa: 2003–2006
- President of Cornell University: 2006–2015
- Secretary of the Smithsonian: 2015–2019
- President and CEO of AAMC: 2019–present
- Fellow: American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2018
Questions readers ask
What is David J. Skorton's current role?
He has served as the president and chief executive officer of the Association of American Medical Colleges since July 15, 2019.
Was he an academic before becoming an administrator?
Yes. He began his career as a professor of medicine and engineering and held positions in both fields at the University of Iowa and Cornell University.
Achievements
- Held posts at Smithsonian Institution, University of Iowa and Association of American Medical Colleges
- Fields: medicine, internal medicine and cardiology
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