Kevin created the second epoch of JMP innovation. The original JMP vision was linked to a DMH & Genetic Counseling degrees and inspired by Henrik Blum who envisioned a PBL curriculum (which lay dormant) and close contact with community-based physician mentors. Twelve students were selected each year who were valued for 'journey traveled' (revived today) vs. highest scores.
UCSF was not willing to accept all 12 so many of us finished med school elsewhere, but the intimate JMP community was foundational.
Kevin Mack arrived with pedagogic, intellectual and interpersonal pizzazz. His own journey gave him an immensely special voice. He found a diplomatic style to herd skeptical faculty toward big changes. The message required him as messenger. Small group, case-based study emerged as both providing better med ed, stronger humane community, more lasting knowledge and a way to be an auto-didact, team member throughout a career.
Now the JMP faces a 3rd epoch with renewed vision, enhanced PBL, anti-racism curricula and a full commitment to integrating social determinants into basic science education.
Without Kevin's influence, I doubt the JMP would continue to make sense as an innovative approach to training MDs. He is a second wave Founding Father and should be honored, missed and remembered with love.
Sara Hartley MD