The Leonard Jarett Professorship of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Established by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in 1995, the Professorship honors Leonard Jarett, MD for his many contributions to medical research as well as to the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Jarett chaired the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine for 18 years.
Dr. Jarett arrived at the Perelman School of Medicine in 1980 after heading the Washington University Medical School’s Division of Laboratory Medicine. At Penn, under his leadership, the Department flourished and gained recognition as one of the best in the nation.
Dr. Jarett started to make his mark on the field early. His first paper, written in his first year of medical school, became a Citation Classic. His work has made a significant impact on the world of diabetes research.
Among his many awards, Dr. Jarett was recognized with the prestigious Gold-Headed Cane Award from the American Society for Investigative Pathology in honor of his long-term contributions to the field of pathology.
Current Chairholder
Yongwon Choi, PhD
Yongwon Choi, PhD is the Leonard Jarett Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine. He received his undergraduate degree from Seoul National University and a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Dr. Choi is the author of numerous publications on the molecular analysis of the osteoimmune system. The fields of immunology and bone biology have matured such that key cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the homeostasis of individual systems are largely understood. Although the cross-regulation between bone metabolism and the immune system is extensive, the mechanisms and biological implications of such interactions are poorly understood. Dr. Choi’s lab investigates this intersystem crosstalk.
Previous Chairholders
- Leonard Jarett, MD 1998–2003
- Gary Koretzky, MD, PhD 2004–2009