Debra A. Schwinn, MD, has been named president of Palm Beach Atlantic University, a private Christian liberal arts university in West Palm Beach, Florida. She will take up her new duties in May.

  Debra A. Schwinn, MD

In 2012, she was named the first (and so far only) woman dean of Carver College of Medicine; she also served as associate vice president for medical affairs from 2016 to 2019.

In a news release, Palm Beach Atlantic officials praised Schwinn as "an exceptional leader with great interpersonal skills."

“Dr. Schwinn impressed the search committee and the board with her understanding and appreciation of PBA’s deep Christian commitment, highly regarded academic reputation, and legacy of growth and innovation," Timothy S. Sotos, chair of the Search Committee and new chair of the Board of Trustees, says. "Creative, energetic and a person with a deep and passionate faith, she enjoys music and ballet and plays the violin. We are excited to welcome Dr. Schwinn and her family to the PBA community.” 

Prior to her positions at the University of Iowa, Schwinn served in senior leadership roles at the University of Washington and Duke University, where she was director of cardiovascular genomics in the Center for Genomic Medicine. 

Schwinn earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster and her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. She is an accomplished educator and researcher and has published many articles and papers. Since 2002, Dr. Schwinn has been a member of the National Academy of Medicine in recognition of her contributions to science and medicine. 

The Department of Anesthesia congratulates Schwinn and thanks her for her years of service to the Department, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, and Carver College of Medicine.