Joyce L. deJong to head WMU department of Pathology

Joyce L. deJong has been named the founding chair of the department of pathology in the Western Michigan University School of Medicine. Her appointment is effective July 1.

 

Over the next year, she will make a transition from her current position as medical director of forensic pathology at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. During the transition she will continue to serve as medical examiner of Kalamazoo, Ingham, Muskegon, Allegan, and Livingston counties, and deputy medical examiner of Barry, Eaton, Montcalm and Shiawassee counties. 

 

She is a clinical associate professor in the division of human pathology and also in the department of neurology and ophthalmology at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. deJong also is currently pursuing a master’s degree in medical education.

 

At WMU School of Medicine, Dr. deJong will be responsible for overseeing the pathology education of the medical students and the development of a medical examiner program to serve Southwest Michigan.

 

"We are fortunate to have Dr. deJong join us in this key leadership position," says Dr. Hal Jenson, dean of WMU School of Medicine. "She is a well-known and highly respected forensic pathologist who also brings passion and experience in teaching medical students. She will actively participate in our continued curriculum development in preparation for our first class in August, 2014." 

 

Dr. deJong earned her undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale. She earned her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing and completed a residency in anatomic pathology at Michigan State University’s Grand Rapids campus. Dr. deJong completed a fellowship in forensic pathology at Emory University and the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Atlanta, Ga.