BYU University Communications shared a press release Thursday morning announcing Dr. Mark Ott as inaugural dean of BYU’s future medical school.
BYU’s Board of Trustees approved Ott's appointment according to the release. Ott previously led the surgical departments at both Intermountain LDS Hospital and Intermountain Medical Center.
“An accomplished surgeon with Intermountain Health, Ott has held academic and affiliate appointments at Johns Hopkins, Harvard Medical School, Stanford School of Medicine and the University of Utah School of Medicine,” the release said.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints first announced BYU would construct and operate a medical school in July 2024. The school will have a "teaching focus with research in areas of strategic importance to the Church," according to the release, and will have an emphasis on international humanitarian efforts and health issues.
The exact location of the school is still unknown to the public, but will be built on the BYU campus, according to President Shane Reese.
Ott received his medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine and trained in general surgery at John Hopkins Hospital, according to his Intermountain Health bio.
“In addition to his administrative, leadership and educational responsibilities; he is also a practicing surgical oncologist specializing in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic tumors, Sarcoma, as well complex upper gastrointestinal surgery and other rare tumors,” according to his bio.
Ott currently works as a surgeon at Intermountain Health, Lance Madigan, media relations manager at Intermountain Health, said. He has been with Intermountain Health since 2007, according to Ott's bio.
“It’s a humbling and exciting honor to join Brigham Young University as the inaugural dean of its new medical school,” Ott said in the university's press release. “BYU’s medical school will provide students with a topflight medical education as well as an enduring appreciation that their talents and training are gifts from God for the benefit of the world.”