Dean Biographies

John C. Ribble, M.D.

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

1981; Deputy Dean
1986–1994; Dean

Serving from 1986–1994, Dr. John Ribble has the distinction as longest-serving dean of the Medical School. In addition to dean, he jointly served the role of interim president of the UT Health Science Center from 1987 to 1989

A native of Paris, Texas, he received his M.D. from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and did postdoctoral training at Parkland Memorial and Johns Hopkins hospitals. He was an officer in the U.S. Public Health Service.

Prior to coming to Houston, Dr. Ribble was director of clinical programs for the Department of Pediatrics at Cornell University Medical College and associate dean of admissions of Cornell.

He joined the Medical School in 1978 as associate dean and was appointed associate dean for academic affairs in 1983. He served as deputy dean in 1981, acting for the newly appointed dean who had not yet assumed his duties.

His research and clinical interests include epidemiology, infectious diseases, and medical education. Following his tenure as dean, Dr. Ribble has remained a valuable member of the Medical School faculty as the director of curriculum in the Office of Educational Programs.