Maurice Clifton, MD, MSEd, MBA

Biography

Maurice Clifton, MD, MSEd, MBA, is the Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Admissions at the UTRGV School of Medicine. With over 20 years of experience in medical education and leadership, Dr. Clifton has previously held positions at R3 Education Inc., Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, and the University of Pittsburgh. His roles have included Senior Vice President for Medical Education, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Director of Student Advising, and Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. Dr. Clifton's expertise spans across standardized patient assessments, curriculum design, clinical reasoning, adolescent medicine, and research and analytics. Prior to joining UTRGV, he was the Executive Dean and Professor of Internal Medicine at Saba University School of Medicine.

Dr. Clifton completed his medical degree at the University of Washington, Seattle, a residency in Internal Medicine at Cedars Sinai, and a fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. He also earned a Masters in Education at the University of Southern California and an MBA at The Wharton School. In his current role, he reports to the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs, overseeing the staff and budget of the student affairs and admissions programs. He is responsible for implementing policies and programs to support medical students from admission through graduation, focusing on academic progress, student advising, learning environment, career development, and wellness initiatives. His extensive experience and leadership in academic medicine contribute significantly to the advancement of medical education and student support at UTRGV School of Medicine.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Admissions

• Oversees the programs under the Offices of Students Affairs and Admissions, and is responsible for implementing policies and programming to support medical student academic progress from admissions to graduation: including academic support, student advising, the learning environment, career development, and student wellness initiatives.

• Works collaboratively with medical students, faculty, staff, and senior leadership to foster a positive learning environment. This includes direct support and counsel to the Optimal Learning Environment Committee.

• Assists in the design, delivery, and management of the student affairs and admissions functions in alignment with LCME standards.

• Oversees UME events including orientation, white coat ceremony, match day, and graduation.

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Offices of Student Affairs and Admissions.

• Provides resources for students to successfully navigate the application process for residency including writing the MSPE.