An article published in Academic Medicine, authored by members of the Dean’s Office staff, explores how the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine improved administrative efficiency and organizational cohesion by implementing a shared services model.

Academic medical centers are complex organizations that often face challenges such as fragmented processes, duplicated efforts, and poor communication across units. To address these issues, the institution centralized key administrative functions—including human resources, finance, pre-award research administration, communications, and facilities—as opt-in shared services in the Dean’s Office.

Over six years, this approach delivered streamlined workflows and improved quality, while preserving departmental autonomy. It also fostered cultural integration through professional development and information sharing. By freeing departments to focus on mission priorities of advancing education, research, and patient care and ensuring consistent, collaborative support, the model has strengthened institutional performance and resource stewardship. Scalable and adaptable, the strategy offers a blueprint for other academic medical centers seeking to boost efficiency and collaboration without sacrificing flexibility and unit autonomy.

“I am incredibly proud that the work of our Dean’s Office staff has been recognized in Academic Medicine,” said senior author and Heersink School of Medicine Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean Anupam Agarwal, M.D. “This publication highlights the exceptional scholarship, dedication, and collaborative spirit that drives our mission here at the Heersink School of Medicine. It is a testament to the talent and commitment of our team, and to the importance of advancing academic discourse in medical education and leadership.”