The John A. Burns School of Medicine has two new departments in a reorganization that's been approved by University of Hawai'i at Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

A Department of Medical Technology has been created, while the former Speech Pathology & Audiology program has become the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. At the same time the Allied Health Department was abolished.

The school said creation of the departments will enhance its ability to recruit faculty and sustain valued training programs. The new Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is being led by interim chair, Dr. James Yates, while Interim Chair Dick Teshima heads the Department of Medical Technology.