WashU Medicine Office of Education is pleased to welcome Max Anderson, PhD, as its new Director of Curriculum & Assessment. Max joined WashU Medicine on July 27, 2026 and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in academic medicine, curriculum operations, instructional design, educational technology, and continuous quality improvement.
Max earned a PhD in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University, an MS in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas, and an MLIS in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University. Most recently, he served as Director of Curriculum Operations at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he led undergraduate medical education curriculum operations, governance, educational systems, and process improvement initiatives. Prior to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, he spent more than a decade at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in instructional design and learning innovation leadership roles, helping enhance curriculum delivery, educational technologies, and accreditation-aligned quality improvement. His collaborative leadership and expertise in medical education will be tremendous assets as he leads curriculum and assessment at WashU Medicine.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Anderson to WashU Medicine,” said Nichole G. Zehnder, Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education. “Max brings a remarkable ability to build strong relationships, navigate complex educational environments, and thoughtfully partner with others to move important work forward. His people-centered approach to leadership, combined with his strategic perspective, will be an invaluable addition to our team as we continue to strengthen our educational programs.”
The Office of Medical Student Education also extends its sincere appreciation to Leslie Blaylock for her outstanding leadership as interim Director of Curriculum Operations. Leslie will now serve as Director of Accreditation, Educational Strategy, and Medical Education Research & Evaluation (MERE), where her expertise and dedication will remain invaluable to advancing the school’s educational mission.