Kikano named trustee of nonprofits supporting global health care providers

George E. Kikano, M.D., Central Michigan University vice president for health affairs and dean of the CMU College of Medicine, has been elected to the board of trustees of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research.

ECFMG and FAIMER prepare international medical student graduates to succeed in U.S. graduate medical education programs and health care systems. These graduates are part of the solution to the physician shortage in Michigan and across the U.S.

Kikano is one of four newly elected board members.

“We are very pleased to welcome these four accomplished individuals to our boards,” said FAIMER President Jeanette Mladenovic, M.D. “They all bring significant skills and experience to the stewardship of ECFMG and FAIMER as we explore new opportunities to advance the global health workforce.”

Kikano came to the U.S. 30 years ago as an international medical school graduate. His personal knowledge of the certification process and professional experience in higher education provide firsthand knowledge of the credentials and skillsets international graduates need.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve an organization that supported me as I began my career,” Kikano said. “In my decades as a practicing physician and educator, I have been committed to preparing physicians to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to diverse and underserved populations. This is the mission of the CMU College of Medicine, and it is the work in which I am invested and passionate.”

Kikano will serve an initial four-year term with an option for re-election to a second term.