KOTA Territory News, July 2, 2007 DETROIT -- The Wayne State University School of Medicine today announces the appointment of Valerie M. Parisi, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. as Vice Dean for hospital relations and clinical affairs and senior advisor to the chairman/CEO of the University Physician Group. Previously, Dr. Parisi served as Chief Academic Officer at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, after serving as Dean of Medicine, overseeing 20 departments and more than 4,000 employees. Her extensive background includes leadership roles in Obstetrics and Gynecology in academic medical environments in Texas, New York and North Carolina. "As we develop our strategic plan to enhance regional health care partnerships in Southeast Michigan, we need a national expert in innovation to be with us at the forefront," said Robert M. Mentzer, Jr., M.D., Dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine. "Dr. Parisi will play a key leadership role in moving our School forward."