Focus on Administration With Laura Malosh, PhD

In her new position as assistant dean of academic support in the College of Medicine’s student affairs office, Laura Malosh, PhD, helps guide medical students who need assistance through the four-year rigors of medical school. 

"My role is not to do any treatment or therapy, but to refer students to the resources available to them during this very challenging academic journey,” says Malosh, a licensed clinical psychologist who came on board at the college in June 2012. 

Medical students may seek guidance on a range of issues with student requests being as simple as how to improve on study skills or as difficult as how to manage curriculum requirements around a personal health crisis. 

Additionally, she oversees the college’s tutoring program and board review course, advises the Student Wellness Committee and coordinates medical student activities for the Cincinnati chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS), which honors medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other exemplars recognized for demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service.

Malosh replaces Denise Gibson, PhD, who held the position for seven years. 

Last week we sat down with Malosh to find out more about the person and the position …

What is your educational background? 

"I earned my bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University with a major in psychology. I went on to earn my PhD from Hofstra University on Long Island, N.Y. My graduate training was unique in that it was a combined program in both school and clinical psychology. I have a license in psychology from the state of Ohio." 

What brought you to the Academic Health Center, specifically the College of Medicine? 

"The position of assistant dean for academic support was very appealing to me for several reasons. It allows me to pull from my experience and training to help students with both personal wellness and academic success. I enjoy working with medical students, in particular, as they are a very motivated and ambitious group. I was also happy to continue my affiliation with University of Cincinnati after working as a psychologist and assistant director at the UC Counseling Center for the past six years." 

Have you had a mentor, and if so, who and what did they teach you? 

"I have been lucky to come across several key people in my professional journey who have helped shape who I am today. The most important thing is to keep the welfare and success of students as the top priority. I like to keep an open door policy whereby I can be as accessible as possible." 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

"I have a 9-month-old daughter who keeps me active and entertained. I also enjoy reading, movies and traveling whenever possible."