Andra Blomkalns, a leader in medical device innovation and translational medicine, will head Stanford’s emergency medicine department.

The provost and the medical school’s dean discussed the university’s long-range planning process and how it aligns with Stanford Medicine’s integrated strategic plan.

More than 400 faculty, staff and students assembled March 23 to hear Stanford Medicine leaders lay out the principles of an integrated strategic plan aimed at aligning the goals and priorities of the medical school and hospitals.

Christopher Dawes, who oversaw the development of Stanford Medicine’s pediatric health network and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, announced his retirement on March 20.

Among other things, the School of Medicine meeting focused on the costs of facilities maintenance and the formula for funding departments, programs and support for faculty.

The event was an opportunity for employees to learn more about the financial state of the School of Medicine, as well as to ask questions about it.

In a meeting that featured online, interactive participation from SHC employees, leaders discussed how Stanford’s hospitals and medical school strengthen each other.

Arvin, professor of microbiology and immunology, will return to research and teaching after 12 years in the role of vice provost and dean of research.

The advisory council and university liaison position are aimed at increasing collaboration among the three Stanford Medicine entities — the School of Medicine, Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford — and the rest of the university.

The annual town hall meeting brought hundreds of faculty and staff together at the Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge to hear from the leaders of the two hospitals and medical school, as well as ask them questions.