Ten years of transformation at Central Michigan University College of Medicine

For the past decade, George E. Kikano, M.D., has been the guiding force behind the Central Michigan University College of Medicine, shaping its vision, strategy and success. Since becoming the dean in 2015, Kikano has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing medical education, fostering ground-breaking scientific research and expanding health care access for all, especially those in rural and underserved areas.  Now, as he prepares to transition away from his role, the College reflects on the undeniable impact he has had on the institution.

“It has been a great honor and privilege for me to lead the establishment and growth of the College of Medicine at CMU over the past ten years,” said Kikano. “During this time, we have collectively built a transformative medical institution dedicated to addressing the critical health care needs in Michigan and beyond.  I am immensely proud of the remarkable progress we have made.”

Dr. Kikano arrived at CMU with a bold vision to develop a medical program that trains outstanding doctors to help address the growing physician shortage in our country and to serve the critical health care needs in our region and throughout the state. He was instrumental in guiding the newly established medical school through the LCME accreditation process and secured long-term affiliation agreements with hospitals and health care systems across Michigan. Under his leadership, the College has successfully graduated eight classes of highly competent physicians, with residency match rates among the highest in the country.  The College was also nationally recognized alongside other top medical schools in areas directly related to our mission including serving in rural and underserved areas and placing graduates into primary care specialties.

One of Kikano’s most notable accomplishments has been the oversight of the expansion of CMU’s accredited residency and fellowship programs.  These programs have grown in scope and doubled in size, providing more opportunities for students to continue their medical training in Michigan.  This includes the establishment of a Pediatric Residency program, the first Psychiatry Residency program north of Flint, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship and the new Critical Care Fellowship which is slated to begin in July 2026.  By forging strong partnerships with regional health care organizations, Kikano has built a comprehensive network of more than 1,400 dedicated community educators that offer essential training experiences to learners in both urban and rural settings.

The College of Medicine oversees a robust research portfolio of cutting-edge scientific initiatives. During Kikano’s tenure, the College has seen an increase in funding for innovative studies in areas such as public health, rural medicine and biomedical sciences.  These increased research efforts within the College have doubled the University’s overall research activity and led to partnerships with institutions nationwide.  This includes a vital collaboration with University Pediatricians in Detroit which has secured grant funding to advance clinical and translational research, resulting in the substantial improvement of pediatric care. Kikano’s support for interdisciplinary collaboration has strengthened CMU’s reputation and encouraged faculty and learners to continue their discovery and understanding of rapidly advancing medical techniques and technology.

Beyond academics and research, Kikano has also played a pivotal role in philanthropic efforts to support the mission and has expanded the College’s impact through community outreach. He serves as the executive vice president for health affairs at CMU and has a long track record for implementing community-based programs to address social determinants of health among underserved urban and rural populations. In 2023, Kikano initiated the formation of the CMU Rural Health Equity Institute which strives to improve health care access and delivery in rural Michigan and to offer additional mental health resources for health care providers and individuals throughout the state. These efforts include the campus-wide incorporation of the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Program at CMU, which enhances mental health services for all CMU students. Kikano’s dedication to improving mental wellness in the area also led to a collaboration with the Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network.  Under Kikano’s direction, with support from Barb Smith and her team, the CMU College of Medicine became the first medical school in the country to offer suicide awareness training to learners. Moreover, Kikano hosts and supports a regional Area Health Education Center at CMU that serves as a pipeline for middle and high school students interested in health professions and delivers continuing health care education to medical professionals, enabling them to provide the best care for patients and communities by keeping them up to date in the field.

As a physician, Dr. Kikano remains devoted to providing exceptional patient care. In addition to his administrative duties, he has continued to see patients in the Primary and Specialty Services Clinic on CMU’s campus in Mount Pleasant. For the fifth year in a row, Kikano has ranked in the top 1% of physicians nationwide as a recommended provider.  He was also instrumental in the development of the Women and Children’s Center, a comprehensive care facility in Saginaw that provides essential health care to children from birth to adolescence and women of all ages in central and northern Michigan. 

In 2024, Dr. Kikano was recognized as a Notable Leader in Health Care by Crain’s Detroit for his work with the College of Medicine. He has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to educating future generations of physicians and improving medical care and equity for all.  His legacy is one of growth, excellence and the advancement of health care in our region.  As the College moves forward, it does so on a strong foundation built by a leader who has dedicated the last decade to its success.