BCM Family will highlight the campus deans through a series of Q&As. The series continues with an introduction to Dr. Steve Charles, associate dean of curriculum at Baylor’s Temple campus.

After years of planning, the School of Medicine’s first regional campus opened in Temple, Texas, at the end of July with an inaugural class of 40 students. Since then, the Baylor community has been introduced to Regional Dean Dr. Alex Arroliga, as well as Dr. Christian Cable, associate dean of admissions and students in Temple and an oncologist at Baylor Scott & White Health.

What do you hope to accomplish in your role during the first year, and also, longterm?

Dr. Steve Charles

I am excited to help a team of dedicated educators implement the brand new M1 (first-year) curriculum. A dedicated group of educators and clinicians spent the past six years redesigning the four-year curriculum. The curriculum in the foundational years was redesigned using active learning teaching methods and innovative competency-based assessment methods. Long-term goals include implementing the core clinical rotations in October 2024 and the inclusion of workplace based assessments. Additionally, this new curriculum allows opportunities for students to develop interests outside the core curriculum, including pathway programs and dual degrees.

What is your professional background?

I am a clinical ethicist, a dedicated educator and a higher education administrator. My current role at Baylor College of Medicine School of Medicine is the associate dean of curriculum for the Temple campus. Additionally, I am a senior faculty member in the Department of Education, Innovation and Technology. My educational background includes a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction and Master of Arts in bioethics and medical humanities and a Master of Science in adult education.

I have been in medical education for more than 15 years. My prior roles include being the assistant dean of assessment and outcomes and interim assistant vice chancellor for interprofessional collaboration at East Carolina University. Before that, I was the director of medical education at the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita Campus. In this role, I assisted with the expansion the Wichita Regional Campus from a clinical regional campus to a full four-year campus.

My educational research projects are focused on developing undergraduate medical education curriculum with a focus on active learning, interprofessional simulation and competency-based assessments.

Why are you excited to be a leader of the new Temple campus?

What an exciting time to be on the Temple campus. We have the unique opportunity to build our teams from scratch, implement a new curriculum and renovate educational space, and the Temple community is so supportive of the partnership between Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor Scott & White Health. The journey we are on involves a unique partnership between BSW and Baylor. Additionally, the faculty, staff, administrators and students are uniquely focused on making this new campus successful. We have made unique partnerships with area institutions, such as Temple College, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and the VA Central Texas Health Care — Veterans Affairs.

What makes the Temple medical school campus unique?

The commitment and passion of clinical educators to contribute to the educational mission of Baylor.

What would you say to an applicant about the Temple campus and community?

The Temple Campus is an amazing place to study and learn. We have dedicated and passionate educators and staff who are committed to student success.

How will the campus, its faculty, staff and students serve the community?

The students will be involved in the Temple Community Clinic, local service learning projects and will complete preceptorships across central Texas.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to play piano, trumpet and kickball. In addition, I enjoy attending musicals, concerts and traveling.

Learn more about Baylor’s Temple campus and life in the city.

By Dana Benson

Students recite an oath at the first White Coat Ceremony for Baylor College of Medicine’s Temple campus.

Additional resources:

• Baylor Scott & White Health announces new affiliations with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas A&M University to further expand the pipeline of exceptional clinical talent for Texas
• Temple White Coat Ceremony
• Baylor hosts open houses at regional campus in Temple