Dean focused on ‘wicked problems’ and workforce

The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences’ new Dean, Professor Warwick Bagg, takes over the reins as the University refreshes its strategic direction with an increased emphasis on transdisciplinary research and teaching. 

For Professor Bagg, this sets the scene for the faculty to rethink how it works internally and with the wider university.

While FMHS has unique qualities, expectations and demands, Professor Bagg says, in today’s challenging higher education world, the faculty’s strength is being an active member of the whole.

“Only by working together can the University deliver on the ambitious goals detailed in Taumata Teitei, the strategic plan, and the aligned Vision 2030.”

Professor Bagg says his priorities are to tackle the ‘wicked problems’ of ongoing inequity, the existential crisis resulting from human-induced climate change, and to harness the opportunities of artificial intelligence.

The solutions to these complex issues lie in collaboration with other faculties, research institutions, key national and international stakeholders, the community and donors.

"All of us, our biomedical, population and clinical teachers and scientists, professional colleagues and most importantly our students are at the centre of this critical work.”

There is also the immediate need to respond to the health workforce crisis.

Professor Bagg sees the faculty lifting its student intake and offering new and renewed qualifications. 

Professor Bagg was appointed Dean in late 2023, with a start on 1 January this year. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater says, “Professor Warwick Bagg’s
outstanding track record in the faculty, as a clinician, and as a senior
University and sector leader saw him appointed Dean.

“Warwick’s vision and commitment to improving Aotearoa New Zealand’s health workforce further established him as a leader for this time.”

Professor Bagg joined Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland in 1997, while also working as an endocrinologist at Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland.

He started working as a diabetes research fellow before moving into academic leadership, including a decade as Head of the Medical Programme, then Deputy Dean from 2021 until the end of 2023.