Gary Ostrander, University of Hawai'i-Manoa vice chancellor for research, began work this week as the new interim dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine in Kaka'ako.

Ostrander is expected to serve at least through the end of the year, by which time a permanent dean should be selected, said Gregg Takayama, spokes-man for the medical school. Ostrander will continue to serve as vice chancellor for research during his time in the temporary post.

He will likely divide his time between the UH-Manoa campus and the Kaka'ako campus, Takayama said.

Ostrander replaces former interim dean Sam Shomaker and also serves as co-chair of the selection advisory committee charged with the search for a permanent dean, Takayama said. The committee has identified several possible candidates, he said.

Shomaker accepted an appointment as dean of Austin Programs at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Austin, Texas. His appointment was effective at the beginning of this month.

The UH Board of Regents last week appointed Ostrander to the medical school position.