Dear Colleagues,
After twelve rewarding years, I will be stepping down as department chair at the end of this month. As my tenure ends, I reflect with great pride and gratitude on our shared journey. Thank you for trusting my leadership and for making this role so personally and professionally meaningful.
Since 2013, we have grown remarkably in size and in our mission. We have conducted groundbreaking research, trained the next generation of medical leaders, and delivered compassionate, equitable patient care while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. I am especially proud of our efforts to improve the lives of countless individuals from all backgrounds and to deepen our understanding of human diseases to benefit everyone.
Our collective strength was undeniable during the chaos of COVID-19, where our strategic and innovative response resulted in a mortality rate 34% lower than the national average. These are just a few examples of innovation, creativity, and dedication that define our faculty, staff, and trainees.
With these efforts in mind, I am refocusing on my research, aiming to accelerate the clinical translation of our scientific discoveries to develop new treatments. While I leave this role filled with gratitude, my commitment to our institution’s mission remains unwavering. I will continue serving as vice provost for faculty development and am excited to reconnect with many of you from my laboratory as we work to translate basic science into practical therapies for patients.
I am delighted that Wolfram Goessling, MD, PhD, will take on the role of chair. Dr. Goessling is a thoughtful leader with extensive experience and a proven success record. I am confident the department will not only continue to prosper but will reach even greater heights under his leadership. Please join me in giving him your full support.
Thank you for your partnership and dedication over the past twelve years. You have helped us build the department we always envisioned. Leading this exceptional team has been the greatest honor of my career, and I look forward to the next chapter for both me and our department’s promising future.
With warm wishes,
Gary