Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi, dean of University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, is one of 17 health care leaders chosen by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve on the state's new Health Workforce Education and Training Council.

The council will be charged with guiding California’s health workforce education and training to meet the state’s health care needs. The council is composed of experts who represent a variety of health professions and various graduate medical education and training programs, including the fields of primary care, nursing and oral, behavioral and allied health.

“I am looking forward to working with colleagues and leaders across the state to shape the future of our health workforce and education to provide equitable access to quality education, prevention, and care to communities across the state,” Nadershahi said. 

The Health Workforce Education and Training Council was formed in late 2021 following the passage of Assembly Bill 133. The council is part of the Department of Health Care Access and Information (formerly known as the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development). 

Read more about HCAI and the formation of the council on the HCAI website.
 
In addition to his new role, Nadershahi is serving in other leadership roles across health professions. He currently serves as chair-elect of the board of the American Dental Education Association, which represents 78 dental schools across the United States and Canada. He is a member of the Santa Fe Group, an action-oriented think tank focused on improving lives through oral health. He also has held leadership roles with the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and other groups in organized dentistry.

Appointments to the council were announced by Gov. Newsom on Dec. 21, 2021.