On any given day, the range of activity at Penn Medicine is both extensive and extraordinary. Communications archived here highlight key strategic initiatives and issues important to our academic medical center.
October 28, 2026
Dear Penn Medicine colleagues, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Depending on where you live, you may be voting in federal, state, and local races, as well as on ballot measures. Now is a good time t…
October 6, 2026
Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence
Dear Colleagues:
It is my privilege to recognize this year’s recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence, selected by a distinguished committee of faculty from the Perelman School of Medicine. These exceptional individuals reflect the very best of our community and exemplify…
September 30, 2026
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
This year we celebrate the 21st annual international symposium of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT). If there is one symposium to attend that covers a broad range of topics, this is it.
The symposium will be held on Monday, October 5th, and this year’s theme is “Intermezzo; 20 Years of Translational…
September 29, 2026
We would like to thank Daniel J. Rader, MD, Seymour Gray Professor of Molecular Medicine, for his exceptional leadership as Chair of the Department of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Since becoming Chair in 2014, Dr. Rader has guided the Department through a period of significant growth and scientific advancement, strengthening its…
September 14, 2026
We would like to thank Michael S. Parmacek, MD, Frank Wister Thomas Professor of Medicine, as he prepares to conclude his tenure as Chair of the Department of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Parmacek has served as Chair since 2014, following his service as Interim Chair beginning in 2013. During his…
September 8, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
I want to welcome everyone to the new academic year, including the new learners – MDs, PhDs, Masters, post-docs, interns, residents, and fellows – who are joining what I consider to be the best academic health system on the planet.
Just last month, we held the annual White Coat ceremony marking the official entry into the medical profession…
August 31, 2026
Since its founding in 2015, the Penn Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBI) has established itself as a trusted leader and partner in developing, advancing, and supporting interdisciplinary education, research, and infrastructure in the core sub disciplines of biomedical informatics. We are delighted to announce that its excellence and forward-looking leadership will continue under the strategic and thoughtful direction of Qi…
July 23, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Elizabeth A. Howell, MD, MPP, as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology in the Perelman School of Medicine for another six-year term.
This reappointment follows a comprehensive review of the department and reflects the strong confidence expressed by faculty, staff, trainees, and external reviewers in Dr. Howell's leadership…
July 6, 2026
Dear Friends,
It is with deep sadness that we write to share the news of the passing of Leonard Abramson, a dedicated philanthropist, visionary businessman, and true friend of Penn Medicine.
While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also look back with gratitude at the lasting impact Leonard and his late wife Madlyn (Ed’57, GEd’60), had in redefining cancer…
June 18, 2026
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
This week, Penn Medicine joins communities across the country in marking Juneteenth.
The holiday tells the story of a profound American ideal—freedom for all—and the responsibility each generation inherits to advance it.
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring the end of slavery in the Confederate states.…
June 8, 2026
It is with great pleasure that we announce the reappointment of Richard C. Wender, MD as Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH) in the Perelman School of Medicine for a six-year term, effective July 1, 2026.
Since joining Penn Medicine in 2020, Dr. Wender has guided DFMCH through a period of substantial growth and…
May 21, 2026
We would like to thank Frances E. Jensen, MD, Arthur Knight Asbury Professor of Neurology, as she concludes her tenure as Chair of the Department of Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania as of June 30, 2027. Since joining Penn in 2012, Dr. Jensen has provided exceptional leadership across the department’s missions of research,…
May 14, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
We write to share that Daniel Yoshor, MD, Charles Harrison Frazier Professor of Neurosurgery, has been reappointed as Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania for a second six-year term.
Following a comprehensive academic review process—including an extensive self-study, internal review, and external evaluation by national…
May 7, 2026
It is with pride and enthusiasm that we announce the appointment of Kathryn E. Wellen, PhD as the new Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, effective July 1, 2026. Since its founding in 2000 in response to the growing focus on understanding cancer and cancer-related diseases, the Department…
April 20, 2026
I am thrilled to share that three Penn and CHOP physician-scientists were awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for developing gene therapy for inherited blindness.
Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, and Albert Maguire, MD, both emeritus professors of Ophthalmology, and Katherine High, MD, an emeritus professor of Pediatrics, are the dynamic team whose work laid the…
March 23, 2026
Faculty, staff, families, and members of the community are invited to a “Firstival” to celebrate Penn Medicine’s pivotal role in American history on Saturday, March 28. Join the fun of marking the Perelman School of Medicine’s founding as the nation’s first medical school at a family-friendly event featuring hands-on science activities, storytelling, art, and free snacks and giveaways from 11am…
March 20, 2026
Earlier today at a ceremony in the Jordan Medical Education Center, we proudly celebrated Match Day with the Perelman School of Medicine Class of 2026.
In our celebration of the bright future that awaits, we reflected on the dedication, hard work, and spirit of this class. This class is outstanding, with an overall 96% match rate. We are thrilled that…
March 9, 2026
We write to initiate the internal search for a new director for the Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBI) at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) of the University of Pennsylvania.
About the IBI
The IBI was established in 2015 to develop, advance, and support interdisciplinary education, research, and infrastructure in the core sub‑disciplines of biomedical informatics—bioinformatics, clinical informatics, translational bioinformatics,…
March 9, 2026
With much enthusiasm and great pride, we invite you to celebrate the achievements of our graduating medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 17. The ceremony will be held at the Kimmel Center and simultaneously broadcast for a wider audience. We are delighted to announce this year’s Commencement speaker: Dr. Vivek Murthy who…
February 5, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
Over the course of this past year, many of our learners, staff, faculty, and leaders have lent their time to advocacy efforts to tell the story of how Penn Medicine turns federal investment into powerful new discoveries, treatments, and cures. Your conversations with elected officials, patients, and members of the communities we serve have made an important difference…
January 22, 2026
This year, Philadelphia will play a leading role in the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Penn Medicine’s proud history pre-dates our nation’s founding, marked by nearly three centuries of “firsts” that have come to define modern science and medicine. Today, I am thrilled to announce another milestone that will advance our place in the field for generations to come: A…
January 19, 2026
Dear Penn Medicine colleagues,
On Monday, January 19, our country observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a moment that asks us to reflect on a legacy of conviction and courage and invites us to renew our commitment to a future defined by equality and dignity.
Throughout his life, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of an inescapable network of mutuality,…
December 19, 2025
At Penn Medicine, our work takes us to different places.
Some of us step into a laboratory or a clinic. Others teach in classrooms, learn at the bedside, or connect with the community. Many contribute from offices on campus or at home, or support the vital work behind the scenes that keeps the institution moving forward.
Although…
December 15, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
It is with profound sadness that we write to share that our inspirational colleague, the esteemed physician and trailblazer Edward S. Cooper, M.D., passed away on December 12, just one day after turning 99.
A longtime leader at Penn Medicine, Dr. Cooper dedicated his life to research and to a vision of medicine that guarantees the best care…
December 10, 2025
I am pleased to announce that as of January 1, 2026, Cheryl Bettigole MD, MPH, Professor of Clinical Family Medicine and Community Health at Penn with a secondary appointment as Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, will become the new Executive Director of the Penn Center for Public Health.
Bringing together communities, scholars, and leaders to advance public health…
December 5, 2025
Dear Penn Medicine Community,
I invite you to join us for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Health Equity Lecture, which will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Each year, this gathering offers us a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s unwavering pursuit of justice, his insistence on the dignity of every person, and his…
December 2, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Last month, we received a communication from the University about a mandatory security training course: Information Security at Penn: A Practical Guide. This is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen our community’s ability to protect institutional systems and information -- and you.
Please complete the three short training modules, approximately five minutes each, asynchronously in…
November 26, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Medicine is a field made of innovators, problem solvers, doers, and givers—people who devote their time, talent, and energy to uplifting others. They see the world as it is and work to bring about what it could be.
Across Penn Medicine, this commitment unfolds with purpose every day, and your actions, in the last few weeks alone, have…
November 19, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
We would like to thank Lewis A. Chodosh, M.D., Ph.D., Perelman Professor in Cancer Biology, for his exceptional leadership as Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the past seventeen years, Dr. Chodosh has guided the Department through a period of remarkable growth and achievement.
Under…
November 17, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to announce that two research buildings on the Perelman School of Medicine campus will be rededicated in honor of former deans William N. Kelley, MD, and Arthur H. Rubenstein, MBBCh.
The Biomedical Research Building (BRB) II/III will be renamed the William and Lois Kelley Research Building.
The Clinical Research Building (CRB) will be…
October 27, 2025
With much enthusiasm, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Hongjun Song, PhD as the David J. Mahoney Professor of Neurological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, effective November 1, 2025. The Department of Neuroscience has a storied history, rich in scientific inquiry and discovery; Dr.…
October 24, 2025
Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence
Dear Colleagues:
I am honored to present this year’s recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence—individuals selected by a committee of esteemed faculty from the Perelman School of Medicine. These honorees embody the finest ideals of our profession and stand as exemplars…
October 21, 2025
Dear Colleagues:
The University’s annual Penn’s Way Giving Campaign is underway, running through November 21! This year’s campaign theme, Going the Distance for our Community, reflects Penn’s unwavering commitment to service wherever help and support are needed.
This annual workplace charitable giving campaign provides an opportunity to support hundreds of local and regional charities and maximize contributions. I am delighted…
October 8, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
I wanted to share the message below that Dr. Ron DeMatteo, Chair of the Department of Surgery, shared with his Department regarding the loss of a titan of American surgery and medicine, Dr. Clyde F. Barker. A tribute from the American Philosophical Society can also be found here.
Dr. Barker’s love for and knowledge of the history…
October 1, 2025
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
This year marks the 20th annual international symposium of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT). Directed by Dr. Garret FitzGerald, the ITMAT symposium offers the outstanding opportunity for learning, networking, and community building. This year’s theme is “Translational Science; 20 Years A - Growing,” and the symposium will be held on Monday and…
September 5, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday, we marked the start of an exciting new chapter for 3600 Civic Center Boulevard (CCB), which has been reimagined and expanded to advance Penn Medicine’s research and innovation in immune health, population sciences, and drug discovery.
We are delighted to share this video detailing the powerful science and collaboration poised to take place at 3600 CCB, adding…
September 2, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
We enter the new academic season together during unusual and rapidly changing times. On our campus, students are heading back to class, and at home, many members of our workforce are returning to the rhythms of the school year for their children. Last year brought many challenges for academic medicine and healthcare, but turning the page to September…
August 22, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
We write to share the news that Dr. Marylyn D. Ritchie will be leaving Penn Medicine in November 2025 to join the leadership team at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in Charleston.
We are extraordinarily grateful for Dr. Ritchie’s outstanding contributions to Penn Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania. She has served many important…
August 12, 2025
I am delighted to announce the promotion of Christopher D. Masotti, CPA, MBA, to Senior Vice Dean of Finance and Operations at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
For nearly a decade, Chris has served as Vice Dean overseeing the School’s budget and financial operations, grants portfolio, human resources, research administration, facilities management, information technology,…
July 3, 2025
Dear Penn Medicine colleagues,
In the summer of 1776, delegates from thirteen colonies gathered in Philadelphia to do something extraordinary: establish a new nation’s independence. During the Second Continental Congress, five leaders were chosen to put into words the shared convictions that asserted the self-evident truths of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While Thomas Jefferson was the primary…
June 24, 2025
The Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are seeking exceptional internal candidates for the role of Director of the Orphan Disease Center (ODC)—a nationally and globally recognized hub for rare disease research, collaboration, and advocacy.
About the ODC:
Founded in 2011, the ODC is a unique partnership between PSOM…
June 6, 2025
The Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are seeking exceptional internal candidates for the role of Director of the Orphan Disease Center (ODC)—a nationally and globally recognized hub for rare disease research, collaboration, and advocacy.
About the ODC:
Founded in 2011, the ODC is a unique partnership between PSOM…
June 3, 2025
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Zoltan (Zolt) Arany, MD, PhD, as Chair of the Department of Physiology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, effective July 1, 2025. The Department of Physiology has long been a cornerstone of scientific excellence at Penn, advancing discovery in cellular and molecular biology through…
May 22, 2025
We are delighted to announce the establishment of the new Center for Cell Therapy and Transplant (CCTT) at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) and the appointment of David L. Porter, MD, the Jodi Fisher Horowitz Professor in Leukemia Care Excellence and professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, as the inaugural Director.
Penn Medicine is built…
May 9, 2025
It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we announce the appointment of Jennifer R. Kogan, MD, as Vice Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania, effective July 1, 2025. With more than two decades of leadership experience in academic medicine, Dr. Kogan brings outstanding expertise, innovative…
April 30, 2025
We would like to thank George Cotsarelis, MD, Milton Bixler Hartzell Professor, as he finishes his term as Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. After fifteen years of outstanding leadership, we recognize his dedication to excellence in research, patient care, and education that has arguably produced the top…
April 30, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
This week, Penn President J. Larry Jameson shared reflections on a recent series of roundtable discussions with the University’s 74 academic chairs, as well as deans, members of the Faculty Senate, student groups, alumni, Penn parents, and legislators.
We write today to share some of his thoughts, and our own vantage point amidst the increasingly complex…
April 7, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
This week marks our annual Health Equity Week celebration across Penn Medicine. Our work to provide excellent care to all patients is a daily responsibility across our organization, and this week is a special opportunity to focus on our commitment to tackle disparities and promote a culture where every patient has opportunities to achieve their best health.
This…
April 4, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
We frequently receive messages from patients whose lives have been saved or improved by the extraordinary faculty, staff, and trainees at Penn Medicine.
In conjunction with National Doctors’ Day, which we celebrated on March 30, we received many stories from patients that fill us with pride and emotion. They highlight the individualized time and attentive care our patients…
April 2, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
For close to a year now, I have valued the thoughtful and sound counsel and contributions of E. Michael Ostap, PhD, an integral member of the Dean’s leadership team. I am pleased to announce his appointment as Senior Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer for the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania, effective immediately.…
March 24, 2025
With much enthusiasm and great pride, we invite you to celebrate the achievements of our graduating medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine’s 2025 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Graduation will be held at the Kimmel Center as well as simultaneously broadcast for wider audiences.
We are delighted to announce this year’s Commencement speaker: Monica M. Bertagnolli,…
March 21, 2025
With immense pride and enthusiasm, we congratulate the Perelman School of Medicine Class of 2025, whose members we celebrated on Match Day earlier today.
As we gathered in a ceremony in the Jordan Medical Education Center, we reflected on the dedication, energy, drive, and spirit of this class and toasted the bright future that awaits. This was an exceptional…
March 17, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
I know that many of you are as concerned as I am about the impact of federal directives and legislation on our research, clinical, and education missions. While we remain strong, there are many challenges ahead. I wanted to provide an update regarding relevant recent activities.
Facilities and Administrative cost reimbursement
On Friday, Congress passed and the President…
February 21, 2025
Newly appointed Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine and Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System Jon Epstein, MD, delivered a virtual message to all members of the Penn Medicine community earlier this week, sharing his thoughts on assuming the role of Dean, current challenges, and opportunities for the future.
To view the message,…
February 20, 2025
With gratitude and admiration, we share the news that Suzanne (Suzi) Rose, MD, MSEd, who has served as Senior Vice Dean for Medical Education at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania since 2018, will transition from this leadership role on June 30, 2025.
The motto of the undergraduate medical education leadership team is “compassionate education…
February 17, 2025
Newly appointed Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine and Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System, Jon Epstein, invites all members of the Penn Medicine community to hear his virtual message on Tuesday, February 18, at 5 pm.
Dr. Epstein will share his thoughts on assuming the role of Dean, current challenges, and opportunities…
January 17, 2025
Dear Penn Medicine colleagues,
On the third Monday of January each year, our country commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream of equality and justice endures. This National Day of Service encourages us to volunteer and consider ways to embody these ideals in our homes, work, and communities. This year’s holiday falls on…
December 19, 2024
Dear Colleagues:
As we enter the holiday season, and as I mark one year as interim dean, I offer my thanks to our wonderful community and my best wishes for 2025.
I have never been more proud to be part of Penn Medicine. Over the past year, I have heard from many of you. Thank you for the time you…
November 26, 2024
A message of gratitude for Penn Medicine faculty and staff.
Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we extend our gratitude…
October 31, 2024
Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year’s recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence, each of whom was chosen by a committee of distinguished faculty from the Perelman School of Medicine. The awardees exemplify our profession’s highest values and epitomize the preeminence we all strive to achieve. Please join me in…
October 16, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
In less than three weeks, likely the most consequential election of our lifetimes will take place on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Please make sure you are registered to vote and plan time to visit your local polling place to cast your ballot or to vote by mail.
Two important upcoming dates for registration:
- Last day to …
October 9, 2024
I am pleased to announce that Eric Marsh, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Professor of Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania, and Clinical Director of the Orphan Disease Center (ODC) has been named Interim Director of the ODC, effective immediately.
In the United States, orphan diseases…
October 8, 2024
After twelve years of impactful leadership as Chair of the Department of Physiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, we extend our sincere gratitude to J. Kevin Foskett, PhD, Isaac Ott Professor of Physiology, for his dedicated and steadfast service. Consistent with our two-term policy, Dr. Foskett will step down as chair.
The Department of…
October 3, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
Last week, in a standing-room only auditorium, we welcomed former NIH Director, Dr. Francis Collins, to the Perelman School of Medicine for a fireside chat on a wide-range of topics, including what he believes to be a “remarkable moment in medical and scientific history where it is possible to come up with experiments that are going to be…
October 2, 2024
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
Each year, Dr. Garret FitzGerald and the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) offer the exceptional opportunity for learning, networking, and community building by hosting the ITMAT Symposium. The theme this year will be “From Embryoids to the Elderly: Translational science across the lifespan,” and the symposium will be held on Monday and Tuesday,…
September 5, 2024
It is with great pleasure and pride that we announce the appointment of Lisa M. Bellini, MD as Executive Vice Dean for the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs for the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS). Dr. Bellini’s impressive leadership has extended over 25 years at Penn, and in the last few…
September 3, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
As we look to the start of Fall, and with a new academic year underway, I write to extend my very best wishes and share a few reflections.
Throughout the year, and especially during the past couple of months with graduation and new student welcomes, I have enjoyed opportunities to hear from, gather with, and meet members of…
August 13, 2024
I write to share that E. John Wherry, PhD, the Barbara and Richard Schiffrin President’s Distinguished Professor, has been reappointed for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics (SPATT) in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Through the extensive review process, which included a comprehensive self-study, an…
June 11, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
On June 19th, what is now nationally recognized as Juneteenth, we take time to reflect and acknowledge this significant day in American history, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on the 19th of June 1865, bringing news of freedom…
April 17, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
For four months now, I have proudly served as interim Dean for the Perelman School of Medicine. Several roles have been filled to complement our strong leadership team, and I am very pleased to announce today a key position for our scientific community: the appointment of Michael Ostap, PhD, as interim Senior Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer…
April 12, 2024
Dear PSOM Community,
On Monday, April 15, and Tuesday, April 16, we will welcome site visitors from the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME) to our medical school. The LCME is an accrediting body for medical education programs leading to the MD degree and is jointly sponsored by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Association of American Medical…
March 28, 2024
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Marylyn D. Ritchie, PhD, FACMI, as the inaugural Vice Dean of Artificial Intelligence and Computing for the Perelman School of Medicine [PSOM], effective April 1. Dr. Ritchie is the Edward Rose, MD and Elizabeth Kirk Rose, MD Professor of Genetics, Director of the Division of Informatics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and…
March 21, 2024
With pride and enthusiasm, we invite you to celebrate the tremendous achievements of our graduating medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine’s 2024 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19. Graduation will be held at the Kimmel Center as well as simultaneously broadcast for wider audiences.
It is our honor to announce Ashish K. Jha, MD, MPH as our Commencement…
March 4, 2024
It is our great pleasure to announce that Roy Hamilton, MD, MS, FANA, FAAN, has been appointed Vice Dean for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE) at Penn Medicine, effective April 1. After a nationwide search, we are delighted that Dr. Hamilton will lead our Office of IDE to advance, foster, and support an environment grounded in diversity, respect, and…
March 1, 2024
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Marisa S. Bartolomei, PhD, Perelman Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, as the new Director of the Center for Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine (formerly known as the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health) at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM).
Dr. Bartolomei has made instrumental…
February 22, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to share the following promotions in support of the Office of the Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System & Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine.
Dorothy L. Leung has been appointed Chief of Staff to the EVP|Dean and Secretary of the Penn Medicine Board. Dorothy has partnered with…
January 29, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
We write to share that Patrick Norton will be stepping down from his roles as Vice President for Public Affairs, Chief of Staff to the EVP/Dean, and Secretary to the Penn Medicine Board next month.
Patrick has had two distinguished tenures over nearly 14 years with Penn Medicine, most recently beginning in 2017. In his leadership roles, he…
December 11, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
The announcements this weekend regarding University leadership transitions shared important information on our path forward together. We are confident that the steady hand of Interim Board of Trustees Chair Julie Platt, together with an interim president to be named in the coming days, will effectively steward Penn in the months ahead – including support for Penn Medicine across…
December 7, 2023
Dear Penn Medicine Community,
The events of the last several months have been among the most difficult in recent memory. Across our community, people are grappling with intense, heightened emotions as we witness painful words and activities that threaten, harass, and intimidate individuals among our colleagues, patients, families, and friends. Like you, we are alarmed and devastated each time we…
October 17, 2023
Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year’s recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence, each of whom was chosen by a committee of distinguished faculty from the Perelman School of Medicine. The awardees exemplify our profession’s highest values and epitomize the preeminence we all strive to achieve. Please join me in…
October 10, 2023
Dear Penn Medicine Community,
Like you, we continue to follow the reports out of Israel and Gaza with heartbreak and anguish. In a world that is already experiencing far too much tragic conflict and violence, the shocking attack by Hamas on Israel has exacted an enormous human toll and will no doubt lead to retaliation and further loss of life.…
September 22, 2023
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Kristen W. Lynch for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. The reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review, and an external review by three leaders in the fields of biochemistry and biophysics.
Faculty and reviewers…
September 13, 2023
To our faculty, staff, students, and community:
We are pleased to share with you the Penn Medicine Strategic Plan 2023–2028: Serving a Changing World. Its bold vision reflects our core values, the promise of medicine, and our confidence that we will lead the world toward the goal of better health for all.
July 5, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
In pointillism, a method of painting, an artist applies small dots and dabs of color to produce an image that visually blends from afar. In this style, each point is essential and helps form an overall cohesive image.
Each day at Penn Medicine, the individual efforts of more than 49,000 employees across the Perelman School of Medicine and…
June 29, 2023
Dear Members of the Perelman School of Medicine Community,
I write to you as I reflect on today's Supreme Court decision in two related cases: Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina.
This ruling challenges longstanding admissions practices in academic medicine and higher education, including ours. At Penn Medicine, drawing talent…
June 15, 2023
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
On Monday, June 19, we celebrate freedom’s promise and reflect on its extension to all.
The roots of the Juneteenth holiday began 158 years ago when Union Army troops reached Galveston, Texas, to order the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, but it wasn’t enforced in many…
May 11, 2023
We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Institute for Structural Biology (ISB) at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), led by Dr. Vera Moiseenkova-Bell, Professor in the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics.
The creation of the ISB recognizes the critical role of structural biology in advancing basic and translational biomedical science. It reflects the growing community…
March 28, 2023
We are pleased to announce the appointment of George Jabboure Netto, MD, as Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Penn Medicine, effective August 1, 2023. An accomplished physician-scientist specializing in genitourinary pathology and molecular genetic pathology, Dr. Netto is currently Professor and the Robert and Ruth Anderson Endowed Chair of Pathology at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)…
March 22, 2023
Dear Penn Medicine Community,
I write to share the news that Eve Juliet Higginbotham, SM, MD, ML will step down from her role as Vice Dean of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE) in the Perelman School of Medicine effective September 1, 2023 to take on new challenges and expand upon what she has accomplished here at Penn. Dr. Higginbotham will…
January 24, 2023
Dear Perelman School of Medicine Community:
I write to share with you that the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania will no longer contribute data to U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) for its medical school rankings. Our withdrawal from the rankings will go into effect in 2024, as we have already submitted our data for this…
January 20, 2023
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Ronald DeMatteo, MD for a second six-year term as chair of the Department of Surgery. The reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review, and an external review by three leaders in the field of Surgery.
The review affirmed the reputation of the Department…
January 13, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
On Monday, January 16, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose steadfast commitment to equity and justice continues to transform the world. Among the bedrock values that defined Dr. King’s life was his belief in the power of service.
"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"…
January 13, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
On Monday, January 16, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose steadfast commitment to equity and justice continues to transform the world. Among the bedrock values that defined Dr. King’s life was his belief in the power of service.
"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"…
January 10, 2023
I write with sadness to let you know of the passing of Dr. Edward J. Stemmler, Robert G. Dunlop Professor of Medicine emeritus and former dean of the School of Medicine, at the age of 93. Dr. Stemmler will be remembered for his warmth and generosity, diplomacy and vision, and enduring impact on our organization. We extend our condolences to…
November 23, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves anticipating and embracing this moment of quiet reflection amidst a busy year. So much of what we are grateful for is embedded within our Penn Medicine community and is exemplified by each of you.
This year has been marked by inspiring and impactful examples of innovation, collaboration, and service as we work…
November 22, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
We write with deep sadness to let you know of the passing of Dr. Dwight L. Evans, who died peacefully on Saturday, November 19th. Our condolences go out to his family and the entire community. He was a deeply respected member of our emeritus faculty.
Dr. Evans’ life of service can be defined by his commitment and contributions…
November 22, 2022
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year’s recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence, each of whom was chosen by a committee of distinguished faculty from the Perelman School of Medicine. The awardees exemplify our profession’s highest values and epitomize the preeminence we all strive to achieve. Please join me in extending our sincere congratulations to…
November 15, 2022
Dear Penn Medicine Community,
We are writing to share with you the exciting news that Penn Medicine is beginning a strategic planning process to guide our school and health system through its next five years. Together, we will create a set of inspiring goals and institutional priorities that align our mission and values, and broadly communicate our aspirations.
Our current…
November 9, 2022
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Maria Oquendo for a second six-year term as chair of the Department of Psychiatry. The reappointment follows a review that included a survey of departmental faculty about their experiences and perspectives, followed by an internal committee review led by Dr. Richard C. Wender, chair of the Department of Family Medicine and…
October 21, 2022
We write with sadness to let you know of the passing of Dr. Arthur K. Asbury, Van Meter Professor of Neurology Emeritus, who died at Penn Medicine Hospice on October 19, 2022 at the age of 93. Dr. Asbury will be remembered for his pioneering clinical and experimental studies of peripheral neuropathies, as well as for his unparalleled dedication and…
September 26, 2022
The climate crisis is a health crisis. It is well established that the inexorable effects of climate change is already affecting human health in detrimental ways. For example: Heat-related morbidity and mortality, such as dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and heat stroke, is already on the rise, complicated by food and water scarcity due to changing temperatures and precipitation patterns.3 Infectious…
March 25, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
We write with sadness to let you know of the passing of Dr. Helen Conrad Davies, who died peacefully on March 23, 2022, at 97. Our condolences go out to her family and the entire community.
Dr. Davies first came to the University of Pennsylvania in 1949. She was a leader in medical education, winning the Medical School’s…
March 21, 2022
It is our pleasure to invite you to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our graduating medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine’s 2022 Commencement on May 15. Graduation will be live at the Kimmel Center this year and will be live-streamed. We will share a link to the ceremony, when it becomes available.
We are privileged this year to…
March 18, 2022
The Class of 2022 celebrated their accomplishments on Match Day today at noon, following a ceremony in the Jordan Medical Education Center.
As our students look forward to their promising futures, we congratulate them on their success and join them in joyous reflection on their great achievements during their time at the Perelman School of Medicine.
We are proud to…
March 15, 2022
We are very pleased to welcome back our faculty and students from Spring Break and to look ahead to the second half of the semester. It has now been two years since our community first experienced the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been one of the most challenging periods in Penn’s long history, yet it has also been…
March 4, 2022
The invasion of Ukraine has marshalled Penn's powerful sense of solidarity to help communities who are suffering, near or far. Time and again, we are inspired by the efforts of our students, faculty, and staff to find ways to help others – to comfort, heal, and bring hope in times of the greatest struggles.
Today, we are writing to commit…
March 2, 2022
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Bennie H. Jeng, MD, as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and director of the Scheie Eye Institute at Penn Medicine. A nationally recognized clinician-scientist specializing in cornea and external eye diseases, Dr. Jeng is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Maryland…
February 24, 2022
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
We awoke this morning to the devastating news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the almost incomprehensible reality of a major land war in Europe. Already, there are reports of Ukrainian deaths, countless civilians fleeing the conflict, and this will surely escalate. As healthcare providers and scientists – a community devoted to supporting and sustaining…
February 10, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
We are saddened to announce the passing of John Q. Trojanowski, MD, PhD, an esteemed colleague, mentor and role model, whose pioneering research and transformative leadership over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years helped to establish Penn as a leading center of research on aging and neurodegenerative disease. Dr. Trojanowski passed away on February…
January 31, 2022
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Marylyn D. Ritchie, PhD, as Director of the Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBI) at the Perelman School of Medicine and Vice President for Research Informatics at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Dr. Ritchie is a Professor in the Department of Genetics and served previously as IBI Associate Director for Bioinformatics. She…
January 18, 2022
We are pleased to announce the appointments of David A. Wolk, MD, and Edward. B. Lee, MD, PhD, as co-directors of the Institute on Aging (IOA), succeeding Dr. John Q. Trojanowski. Their appointment takes effect immediately.
Dr. Wolk, who serves as director of the Penn Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (PADRC) and co-director of the Penn Memory Center, is Professor of…
January 17, 2022
Colleagues,
Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity for us to reaffirm what it means to serve and reflect on the progress we’ve made toward an equitable future.
The future is created by those who rise to the occasion. Through the ACT initiative, Penn Medicine has committed itself to being an anti-racist organization. We take great…
December 15, 2021
Penn Medicine has a vision to help shape the future of medicine. We aspire to catalyze bold research efforts that can translate basic science research advances into new diagnostics and therapeutics. The globally celebrated discoveries by Drs. Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó, which formed the foundation of the two mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, magnificently exemplify this strategy and open a…
December 14, 2021
With profound gratitude, we announce that Barbara C. Williams, who has admirably served the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine for over 44 years, will be retiring at the end of the academic year. In a career that has touched every aspect of our organization, we thank Ms. Williams for her four decades of invaluable contributions, which have significantly supported…
December 2, 2021
In this unprecedented year, we came together to inspire and support one another. We provided outstanding patient care and partnered with our community to make a meaningful impact. We dedicated ourselves to educating the next generation of physicians and scientists who will carry on our legacy of excellence, and we led the way…
November 24, 2021
Colleagues,
Thanksgiving traditionally serves as a time to be with family and friends, and reflect on what we are thankful for in our own lives. As we celebrate this holiday, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the contributions each of you make to Penn Medicine.
Penn Medicine stands apart as a national leader because of…
November 22, 2021
Last week, Penn President Amy Gutmann announced the launch of an exciting, $750M investment to advance Penn’s pathbreaking contributions to innovative and impactful areas of medicine, public health, science, and technology.
As the announcement detailed, the plan includes major new investments for the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) in research spaces, priority research programs, and faculty recruitment and…
November 9, 2021
Friends and colleagues --
Today, as Chair of the Board of the AAMC, I want to use this Learn, Serve, Lead forum to encourage us to “lean in” and enact change where we know it is needed. Academic Medicine is a complex ecosystem. Like other ecosystems, we must evolve to remain competitive and viable. This audience is uniquely positioned to…
November 1, 2021
We are saddened to announce the passing of Aaron T. Beck, MD, an esteemed colleague, beloved mentor and teacher, and outstanding researcher, scientist, and therapist in the Department of Psychiatry, whose fundamental contributions to psychology revolutionized the practice of psychotherapy in the United States and around the world. The Beck Institute announced Dr. Beck’s death this morning. He was…
October 26, 2021
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year's recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence. The distinguished awardees exemplify our profession's highest values of scholarship, teaching, innovation, commitment to service, leadership, inclusion, and dedication to patient care. They epitomize the preeminence and impact we all strive to achieve. The awardees range from those at the beginning of their…
October 21, 2021
Dear Perelman School of Medicine Faculty and Staff:
I am writing to remind you that Penn Medicine and the University have launched our annual workplace charitable giving campaign. Penn's Way will run until November 19. We can all help Penn Medicine and the University achieve our goal.
Last year's campaign to support programs that benefit our community was the most…
September 28, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
Dr. Garret FitzGerald and the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) cordially invite you to the 16th Annual ITMAT International Symposium, which will take place as a free virtual event on Mon. Oct. 11 and Tues. Oct. 12, 2021. This year’s theme is “Translational Science in a Pandemic World.”
I encourage you to take advantage of…
September 28, 2021
As we celebrate Women in Medicine month, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Courtney A. Schreiber, MD, MPH, as Executive Director of FOCUS on Health and Leadership for Women (FOCUS), the Perelman School of Medicine’s nationally recognized program to improve the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women faculty, residents, and medical students while fostering equity research and promoting…
September 24, 2021
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
It has been called one of the greatest scientific achievements in history: the rapid development of the highly effective mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that have been the world’s brightest hope in bringing an end to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate the Penn Medicine scientists behind the breakthrough.
Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, the Roberts…
September 17, 2021
I write to remind you that Monday marks the start of Climate Week at Penn and to commend the many members of the PSOM community who have contributed to this important educational program. A mix of in-person and virtual offerings, Climate Week events will center on topics ranging from activism and agriculture to sustainability and wellness, all with a connection…
September 9, 2021
It is with tremendous gratitude that we write today to inform you of an upcoming leadership transition in the Department of Ophthalmology. After twelve years of impactful leadership, Dr. Joan O'Brien, Harold G. Scheie-Nina C. Mackall Research Professor of Ophthalmology, will be stepping down as Chair effective June 30, 2022, to assume new roles as the Inaugural Director of the…
August 31, 2021
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
As the new academic year begins, I am excited, but not surprised, by Penn Medicine’s remarkable momentum in every mission area. I am also grateful for the tremendous dedication and hard work that sustains it. We have welcomed to campus an amazing cohort of 552 new students across MD, PhD, and Masters programs. Our research…
August 23, 2021
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Nancy A. Speck for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB).
During Dr. Speck’s first term as Chair, Penn has experienced remarkable enthusiasm and momentum in the cell and developmental biology space – across the University and nationally. The Department’s 22 standing faculty…
August 20, 2021
Dr. Albert Kligman, a long-standing faculty member in the Department of Dermatology before his death in 2010, conducted decades of research at Philadelphia’s Holmesburg Prison and other institutions beginning in the 1950s. This research, involving an incarcerated population, has been highly controversial, and it is appropriate for us to reexamine how we recognize Dr. Kligman’s legacy. Historical events such as…
August 13, 2021
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Frederic Bushman for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Microbiology.
Home to 18 standing faculty members, the Department of Microbiology has flourished under Dr. Bushman’s leadership. Over the past six years, he has recruited stellar scientists, including a very strong class of assistant professors. The Department’s robust…
August 11, 2021
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
We are excited to announce the establishment of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Learner [IDEAL] Experience Program at the Perelman School of Medicine, an enhanced structure for a unified education office focused on inclusion, diversity, and equity. IDEAL will support our diverse community of learners by cultivating a culture of equitable inclusivity across all PSOM…
August 10, 2021
This year, more than any before, we look forward to the start of classes and our joyful pre-semester programs and events. We want to update everyone, in light of the ongoing pandemic, about our progress and the measures we are taking to keep our community safe and healthy.
We thank all of you who have provided your vaccination information, which is…
August 9, 2021
Dear Incoming Students,
We are delighted to welcome you to the Perelman School of Medicine. We take great pride in our inclusive culture, our dynamic learning environment, and our groundbreaking research.
Our faculty, students, and staff are excited that you are now part of the PSOM community. We all look forward to getting to know you better and helping you…
August 4, 2021
We write to announce a leadership transition in the Institute for Biomedical Informatics and the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (DBEI). Dr. Jason Moore has decided to leave Penn to accept a position as Founding Chair of the new Department of Computational Biomedicine at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. His new role begins November 1, 2021.
Dr. Moore, the Edward…
July 27, 2021
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
We are pleased to announce that for the 15th year in a row, Penn Medicine hospitals have been ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The combined enterprise of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center has been named #13 on the publication’s prestigious…
July 15, 2021
I am delighted to announce establishment of the Arthur Knight Asbury, MD, Professorship in Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine, an endowed chair created through the generosity of Arthur K. Asbury, HOM'74, HON'15 and Carolyn H. Asbury, GR'82, honoring Frances E. Jensen, MD, as the inaugural chair holder.
Dr. Jensen is Chair of the Department of Neurology and Co-Director…
July 14, 2021
I am delighted to announce the establishment of the Roberts Family Professorship in Vaccine Research at the Perelman School of Medicine and the Katalin Karikó Fellowship Fund in Vaccine Development. The endowed chair and fellowship funds were created through the generosity of The Aileen and Brian Roberts Foundation.
Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, who will be the inaugural Roberts Family Professor…
June 28, 2021
We write to announce that after two decades of impactful leadership as Director of the Institute on Aging (IOA), John Q. Trojanowski, MD, PhD, has decided to step down from this role, effective September 1, 2021.
Dr. Trojanowski is the William Maul Measey - Truman G. Schnabel, Jr., MD, Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology in the Department of Pathology…
June 11, 2021
We are pleased to announce that Arberetta Bowles will become the new Executive Director of Academic Affairs in the Perelman School of Medicine, effective August 1, 2021. In this role, she will be succeeding Vicki Mulhern, who has provided outstanding leadership and support to generations of faculty. Arberetta is an accomplished higher education administrator, with broad expertise in faculty and…
June 9, 2021
In observance of Juneteenth, the oldest holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, the Perelman School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Health System will participate in a day of reflection on Friday, June 18. In honor of this holiday and as a reflection of our renewed commitment to enhance the inclusivity of our culture,…
June 8, 2021
We are pleased to announce that L. Scott Levin MD, FACS, who completes his second term as Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery on June 30, will assume new executive leadership roles at Penn Medicine as Vice President and Associate Dean for Resource Development in the Perelman School of Medicine. These appointments, which take effect July 1, are concurrent…
June 8, 2021
A Message from
Amy Gutmann, President
Wendell Pritchett, Provost
Craig Carnaroli, Executive Vice President
J. Larry Jameson, Dean, Perelman School of Medicine and
Executive Vice President University of Pennsylvania for the Health System
Our country has recently witnessed a deeply disturbing increase in anti-Semitism and instances of prejudice and bigotry directed toward people of Asian or African descent and other…
May 19, 2021
We write to announce that after nearly five decades of unsurpassed leadership and impact at Penn Medicine, John H. Glick, MD, Professor of Medicine and the Madlyn & Leonard Abramson Professor of Clinical Oncology, will retire at the end of the academic year.
Dr. Glick joined the Penn faculty in 1974 as the Ann B. Young Assistant Professor, after completing…
May 18, 2021
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues:
As more individuals become vaccinated against COVID-19 and our communities begin relaxing restrictions on social gatherings and capacity limits in indoor facilities, we continue to assess the policies enacted to protect our faculty, staff, and patients during the pandemic.
Recently, restrictions on patient visitors have eased again and we continue to expand access to the COVID-19…
May 18, 2021
We are writing to share the news that following a two-year leave of absence as Chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD, has decided to step down from that position, in order to focus on new research and educational initiatives and his national and international leadership roles.
Since September 2011, Dr. Emanuel has…
May 16, 2021
Dear Class of 2021,
Congratulations!
Commencement is a beginning and a time of joy. On behalf of the entire Penn Medicine community, we share our pride in your many accomplishments.
We look forward to your impact, as you apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired at Penn. Wherever you are headed, we know that you will contribute to a…
May 6, 2021
With pride for his long tenure as a trusted and accomplished leader, we write to share the news that Dr. Peter D. Quinn will be stepping down from his current role as Chief Physician Executive for the Penn Medicine Medical Group (PMMG) on June 30, 2021 and will transition back to his role as the Schoenleber Professor of Oral and…
May 3, 2021
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on countries across the world. While here in our region and across the U.S., vaccines are being widely deployed to millions and cases are falling, India is suffering amid the world’s worst coronavirus outbreak yet. This current wave of infections is overwhelming their nation’s public health, medical, and…
April 19, 2021
Dear Penn Medicine Community,
After a year of painful incidents which have prompted an urgent, overdue dialogue about social justice and systemic racism across the nation, the collective impact takes a toll on the emotional and mental well-being of our entire community, even as we continue to care for others as the pandemic continues. Recent weeks have brought fresh traumas:…
April 16, 2021
We are writing to announce that Vicki Mulhern, one of our longest serving and most impactful administrative leaders, will be retiring on June 30, 2021. As Executive Director of the Office of Faculty Affairs & Professional Development (FAPD) since 1996, Vicki has had a transformative impact on faculty engagement and support in the Perelman School of Medicine. Her leadership helped…
April 14, 2021
As the vaccine rollout accelerates and immune responses are acquired, we are all looking forward to a renewed sense of normalcy in our personal and professional lives. While continued vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines remain crucial, we anticipate opportunities for more normal engagement of the research community later this spring and summer.
On behalf of all our department chairs,…
April 5, 2021
We write to announce that after two decades of exceptional and impactful leadership as Executive Director of FOCUS on Health & Leadership for Women, Stephanie B. Abbuhl, MD, will step down from this role at the end of this academic year. This transition will begin a new chapter in her distinguished career at the Perelman School of Medicine, as she…
March 26, 2021
It is our pleasure to invite you to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our graduating medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine’s 2021 Commencement on May 16. A link to the ceremony, which will be conducted in compliance with University guidelines as a virtual event, will be forthcoming.
We are privileged this year to welcome back to Penn as…
March 25, 2021
We are pleased to announce the appointment of D. Gregory Farwell, MD, FACS, as Chair of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Penn Medicine. Dr. Farwell is a nationally recognized surgeon specializing in head and neck cancers, thyroid and parathyroid surgeries and microvascular reconstruction. He is currently Chair of the Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of…
March 19, 2021
The Class of 2021 celebrated their accomplishments on Match Day today at noon using a virtual platform with a small group of students choosing to celebrate together in JMEC, physically distanced and safely. We celebrated each student with a video montage and with greetings virtually. After a live countdown directly from JMEC, students retrieved their match results from a protected…
March 17, 2021
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
The recent violence and discrimination against the Asian community in America is a reminder of the pervasive, dangerous nature of racism in our society. We are deeply appalled and troubled by these vicious incidents.
We are so proud of our talented, diverse Asian community here at Penn Medicine, and we know that many are hurting…
February 11, 2021
Message to the Biomedical Graduate Student Community
J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
EVP/Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine
Eve J. Higginbotham, SM, MD, ML
Vice Dean for Penn Medicine Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
As we know you are aware, Penn Medicine recently announced the Action for Cultural Transformation (ACT), a multi-year strategic plan to combat…
February 9, 2021
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Epstein, MD, to a new role as University of Pennsylvania Health System Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. Jon is a highly respected and impactful physician-scientist whose leadership within the Perelman School of Medicine has helped propel Penn to a place of pre-eminence in groundbreaking new science that has laid…
February 2, 2021
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. James M. Metz for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology. The reappointment follows a review that included a survey of departmental faculty about their experiences and perspectives, followed by an Internal Committee review, which was led by Dr. Michael S. Parmacek, chair of the Department…
January 28, 2021
We write to update you on the recently completed review of the Program for Diversity and Inclusion (PDI) within the UME Office of Academic Programs and forthcoming improvements in the way the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) goes about the crucial work of providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students.
The PDI was established in 2012 as…
January 18, 2021
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
Martin Luther King Jr. Day arrives at a critical juncture for Penn Medicine. The extraordinary events of the past year have created a rare opportunity to bear witness to Dr. King’s legacy and address structural injustice in our institution and in the communities we serve. We are well-positioned to do so. We are a community united…
December 21, 2020
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Enrique Fabian Schisterman, PhD, MA, as Chair of the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics in the Perelman School of Medicine, effective February 1, 2021. Dr. Schisterman, whose expertise bridges biostatistics and epidemiology, is a national leader in epidemiological methods and reproductive epidemiology. He is currently senior investigator and Epidemiology Branch Chief…
December 21, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
As we count down the days to 2021, I can’t think of a time when I have been more eager to turn the page on the calendar – or a time when I was more proud of Penn Medicine. Our response to the historic challenges of 2020 has been amazing. We met the extraordinary circumstances of a year…
December 18, 2020
We are writing to announce that Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, MBA, one of the most distinguished and impactful members of our faculty, will be retiring on January 31, 2021. Most recently, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey has served as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation PIK Professor of Health Policy and Health Equity in PSOM, with joint faculty appointments in the Department of Health Care…
December 16, 2020
To our health care heroes, discovery scientists and laboratory teams, and work-from-home warriors.
To our patient and community protectors, and the caregivers who offer support to families and colleagues:
You are essential to our Penn Medicine family.
Wishing you cherished, peaceful moments, the gift of health and the best of everything in 2021.
J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD…
December 10, 2020
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Nicolas Plachta, PhD, as the William Richard Gordon President’s Distinguished Professor in Genetics in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, a new professorship supported by George A. Weiss, C'65, Penn Medicine Trustee and Trustee Emeritus of the University.
Dr. Plachta, who was recruited to Penn in 2019, is widely recognized as…
December 9, 2020
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Deborah J. Culley, MD, as Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at Penn Medicine. Dr. Culley, a neuroanesthesiologist and nationally recognized leader in geriatric anesthesia, is currently an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Executive Vice Chair for the Department of Anesthesiology Perioperative and Pain Medicine at…
November 23, 2020
While the Thanksgiving holiday will look different for us all this year, it remains an opportunity to honor and reflect on the tremendous impact we have had on our communities during the pandemic. J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, dean of the Perelman School of Medicine and Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania…
November 17, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
Today brings exciting news that the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine will contribute $100 million over the next 10 years to the School District of Philadelphia – the largest private contribution to the district in its history – to remediate environmental hazards, including asbestos and lead, in public school buildings. Below, we share a message…
November 11, 2020
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Lewis A. Chodosh for a third six-year term as Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology. The reappointment follows a review process that included a survey of departmental faculty about their experiences and perspectives, followed by an Internal Committee Review.
Created in 2000 with the goal of understanding the molecular, cellular,…
November 9, 2020
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Daniel J. Rader for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Genetics. The reappointment follows a review process that included a survey of departmental faculty about their experiences and perspectives, followed by an Internal Committee Review.
Home to 32 standing faculty members and 32 faculty with secondary appointments,…
October 29, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
Each day during this year of unprecedented challenges in our communities and the world around us, we have been inspired to see our workforce put service to others before self. Each day, you have demonstrated the depths of your resilience by showing up for our patients, their loved ones, and each other, and you’ve remained engaged…
October 28, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
We are standing with you all today, as citizens of Philadelphia and of our nation, with a vow to continue the vital work of dismantling systemic racism and hold up those among us who are hurting.
This week’s tragic death of Walter Wallace, Jr. – a young man of color living just blocks from our West…
October 27, 2020
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year's recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence. The distinguished awardees exemplify our profession's highest values of scholarship, teaching, innovation, commitment to service, leadership, professionalism and dedication to patient care. They epitomize the preeminence and impact we all strive to achieve. The awardees range from those at the beginning of their…
October 7, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
Every election is an opportunity to make your voice heard and support your community. This election is no different, and our faculty, staff, students, and the patients we care for will bring important ideas and perspectives to elections at all levels this year.
Your voice matters. You have the power to advocate for…
September 30, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Dr. Garret FitzGerald and the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics cordially invite you to the 15th Annual ITMAT International Symposium, which will take place as a free virtual event on Mon. Oct. 12 and Tues. Oct. 13, 2020. This year’s theme is “Novel Therapeutics and Democratization of Access: Implementation of Translational Science.”
I encourage you to…
September 25, 2020
Dear PSOM Colleagues:
As the election approaches, I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. The COVID-19 pandemic may make in-person voting difficult. I’m pleased to share the information below from VotER, a national, non-partisan non-profit that aims to help people register to vote and request mail-in ballots so they can vote safely this election.
For information on…
September 18, 2020
We are pleased to announce that Erica R. Thaler, MD, FACS, will serve as interim Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS) as we begin a national search for a successor to Dr. Bert O’Malley. Dr. Thaler will assume the role of interim Chair on October 1, 2020.
Dr. Thaler has been a standing faculty…
September 1, 2020
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Michael S. Parmacek for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Medicine. The reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, internal committee review, and external review by three leaders in academic medicine.
With strong nationally recognized programs across all areas of its clinical and academic…
August 19, 2020
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
The strengths of our academic community are never more apparent to me as Dean than at the beginning of a new academic year. It is an opportunity for me to welcome new faculty, students, and house staff to Penn -- and to reflect on the talent and passion of these newest members of our community,…
July 29, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
Penn Medicine hospitals have once again been ranked among the top hospitals in the nation.
The scope and magnitude of what we have faced together thus far in 2020 has reshaped the way we live, work, and care for our patients. Even in our most challenging hours during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was nothing more important…
July 28, 2020
It is with mixed emotions that we announce that after 17 years of exceptional, impactful leadership as the Gabriel Tucker Professor and Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (HNS) at Penn Medicine, Bert W. O’Malley, Jr., MD, will be stepping down from this role to become President and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). His…
July 24, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Join us. Add your voice to the Action for Cultural Transformation (ACT) and be part of efforts to strengthen our culture. Today we want to brief you on the progress of this important work and remind you that this will not succeed without your input. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, who sadly passed away last week,…
July 23, 2020
It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Richard C. Wender, MD, as Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Dr. Wender, who was Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University for 12 years and formerly served as the Chief Cancer Control Officer for the American Cancer Society,…
July 1, 2020
To make real our commitment to actively address all forms of racism and bias at Penn Medicine, we are pleased to announce the steps we are taking beginning in July to create a more inclusive and just community. As promised in our June 15 message to the community, a framework for taking action has been developed by the Penn…
June 30, 2020
It is with pride mixed with sadness that we write to announce that Lee A. Fleisher, MD, chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, has accepted a new role as Chief Medical Officer for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). He will also serve as Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, which serves…
June 15, 2020
The past few weeks have been traumatic, especially for Black faculty, students, and staff who live every day with the burden of racism. The recent protests for racial justice have inspired unprecedented solidarity and the opportunity for our entire community to commit to actions that will have a lasting effect.
As we plan our next steps together, we continue to…
June 8, 2020
A reminder to please join University Provost Wendell Pritchett, Dean J. Larry Jameson, Vice Dean for Penn Medicine Office of Inclusion and Diversity Eve Higginbotham, UPHS CEO Kevin B. Mahoney and CHOP President and CEO Madeline Bell today for a
Virtual PSOM Community Dialogue on Racism, Racial Justice and Social Equity
Monday, June 8th
5:00 PM – 6:15 PM…
May 31, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
Words can seem hollow when the same, or similar, messages are conveyed following seemingly endless tragic events. Yet, we still need words as well as action. George Floyd now joins the growing, and horrifically long list of African Americans, mainly men, who have been killed by those charged to protect us, or in other cases, by…
May 20, 2020
We are writing to announce that John Glick, MD, the founding chair and guiding spirit of The Academy of Master Clinicians, will be stepping down as chair July 1 and will be succeeded in that role by Jody Foster, MD, MBA.
Election to the Academy of Master Clinicians is the highest clinical honor for a Penn Medicine physician. Since its…
May 17, 2020
Dear Class of 2020,
Commencement is a beginning and a time of joy.
On behalf of the entire Penn Medicine community, we share our pride in your many accomplishments. We know that you will go on to shape a better future for all of us.
As you apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired at Penn, we look forward…
May 17, 2020
Good morning, everyone. I am Larry Jameson, Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine.
It is great to be with you today – even virtually. Graduates, this is still your day! And we are here to celebrate YOU, the Class of 2020.
To say that your commencement is different is, of course, a huge understatement.
Certainly, I miss the proximity…
May 12, 2020
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Elizabeth A. Howell, MD, MPP, as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine. Dr. Howell, a nationally recognized leader in quality of care and racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and child health, is currently a tenured professor and institutional leader at the Icahn School of Medicine at…
April 24, 2020
We write to announce that Lee A. Fleisher, MD, who is completing his third and final term as Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, has agreed to accelerate the search for his successor, in order to allow for a significant period of transition at a critical time in the history of the Department. We have engaged a…
April 17, 2020
I am writing to inform you that the appointment of Steven Joffe, MD, MPH, as interim Chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy has been extended for a year, ending June 30, 2021.
As you are aware, Dr. Joffe was appointed interim Chair during Dr. Zeke Emanuel’s leave of absence. Over the past year, Dr. Joffe has…
April 16, 2020
Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our beloved friend, stalwart champion, and Emeritus Trustee Madlyn Abramson, ED’57, GED’60. She was 84 years old.
To the end, Madlyn was dedicated to the health of our patients and this city, most recently helping launch a clinical trial for the treatment and prevention…
April 13, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues:
We have been deeply inspired by the way our Penn Medicine team has stepped up throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our clinical teams have answered the call from patients in need across the health system, researchers have pivoted to search for treatments and a cure, and our administrative staff are ensuring that all our operations continue to…
April 3, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues:
The creativity, collaboration and stamina on display throughout our organization is heroic. Together, we have acted with resourcefulness and resolve to rise to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have arrived at another critical stage that will require our continued work as a unified team to care for the expected increase in patients needing care…
April 2, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues:
Over the past few weeks, we have seen an incredible spirit of compassion in action. Compassion for our patients and for each other in this challenging time, and relentless action to prepare and prevent the spread of COVID-19. There is no group anywhere in the world more prepared to tackle this challenge than Penn Medicine. Each…
March 24, 2020
The following op-ed was published by The New York Times on March 24, 2020
I’m writing on behalf of six other leaders of large academic health systems in some of America’s Covid-19 “hot spots” to urge our national leadership to resist pressure to lift tough social restrictions intended to subdue this outbreak and save thousands of lives.
While some say…
March 23, 2020
In this time of unprecedented crisis, we are mindful of the ongoing disruptions in the personal and professional lives of our Penn Medicine colleagues. For faculty who are assistant professors in the Tenure, Clinician-Educator, and Research Tracks, and associate professors without tenure, we recognize the impact of COVID-19 on the ability to perform the academic responsibilities on which the evaluation…
March 20, 2020
The Class of 2020 celebrated their accomplishments on Match Day today at noon using a virtual process. They retrieved their match result from a protected website and celebrated at home, connecting to one another through social media. We join our students in the joyous reflection of great achievements during their time at the Perelman School of Medicine.
We congratulate the…
March 20, 2020
Dear Class of 2020,
I am so proud of each of you! You are ready to be residents, taking responsibility for patients and continuing the steep learning curve that is an inherent element of our profession. Today, you will learn your match results – I am super-excited to see these!
I remember so well opening my match envelope and learning…
March 18, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues:
Together, we must lead by example in the effort to fight COVID-19. Personal responsibility – in both our work and professional lives – must be our absolute commitment in these challenging and anxious times.
There have been several healthcare providers diagnosed with COVID-19 across our health system this week. Consistent with experiences elsewhere, these individuals conferred…
March 17, 2020
A Message to Alumni of the Perelman School of Medicine
from Dean J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
and Senior Vice Dean for Medical Education Suzi Rose, MD, MSEdAs you are no doubt aware, the extraordinary circumstance of the COVID-19 outbreak has meant enormous shifts in normal operations across both Penn Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania. We are writing…
March 16, 2020
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Daniel Yoshor, M.D., as Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery in the Perelman School of Medicine and Vice President of Clinical Integration and Innovation for the Health System. Dr. Yoshor, a nationally recognized neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, is currently the Marc J. Shapiro Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at…
March 15, 2020
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
We stand with you! As we prepare for the week ahead, we must continue to work together to fight COVID-19. The steps we’ve taken in recent days – including a restricted visitation policy for our hospitals, prohibiting business travel, curtailing our on-site workforce to maximize social distancing, and cancelling non-essential outpatient appointments and surgeries – are…
March 13, 2020
Penn Medicine Colleagues,
The spread of COVID-19 in the United States has underscored the crucial role of health care organizations. For nearly two months, leaders and staff from around the health system have come together and devoted countless hours of creativity and dedication to ensure that we are prepared to care for patients with this disease. We have been inspired…
February 11, 2020
It is our pleasure to invite you to join us as we celebrate Commencement on May 17, 2020, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and recognize the outstanding achievements of our graduating medical class. We are privileged this year to welcome back to Penn as commencement speaker Katrina Armstrong, MD, MSCE. A distinguished member of the Penn faculty…
January 31, 2020
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Joseph St. Geme for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine. The reappointment follows a review process last year that included an extensive self-study, joint Penn/CHOP internal committee review, and external review by three international leaders in the field.
The Department…
January 27, 2020
We are pleased to announce the inaugural awards from the Clifton Faculty Well-Being Fund, established with a $1million gift from Catherine Roberts Clifton and Anthony J. Clifton to support research projects focused on faculty well-being that mitigate physician stress and burnout.
Two projects – one focused on optimizing use of the myPennMedicine (MPM) patient portal and the other on improving…
January 13, 2020
Dear Colleagues – Faculty, Students, and Staff,
On January 22, we will gather for the 6th annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Health Equity Symposium. The program, which has become one of our academic community’s finest traditions, honors Dr. King’s legacy and underscores Penn Medicine’s dedication to his vision of social justice.
Over the years the symposium has attracted our…
January 6, 2020
We are delighted to announce the election of 11 new members of the Academy of Master Clinicians. Membership in the Academy recognizes those Penn Medicine clinicians who exemplify the highest standards of clinical excellence, humanism and professionalism and is the highest clinical honor to be bestowed on a Penn physician. Newly elected members are:
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Benjamin Chang, MD…
December 20, 2019
We are pleased to announce that, in addition to his current role as Director of the Abramson Cancer Center, Dr. Robert H. Vonderheide has been appointed as Vice President for Cancer Programs for UPHS and Vice Dean for Cancer Programs in the Perelman School of Medicine, effective January 1, 2020. These roles align with his current leadership responsibilities for cancer…
December 19, 2019
With the holidays upon us and 2019 drawing to a close, we’re proud to take time to reflect on our year and thank the people who dedicate their work and spirit to our shared mission every day throughout Penn Medicine.
Good health for our patients, friends, and families is the greatest gift of all, and each of you makes strides…
December 17, 2019
Dear Colleagues - Faculty, Students and Staff,
I want to thank you for making 2019 a year of exciting advances at Penn Medicine. We can all be very proud of our academic medical center’s comprehensive impact -- whether translating discoveries into better health, providing exceptional care for our patients, or training the next generation of physicians. In this message, I…
November 26, 2019
We are delighted to announce that through the generous philanthropy of Rod Wong, M’03 the Penn HealthX innovation program has been endowed for the future.
Established in 2013, Penn HealthX is one of the preeminent student-led organizations within the Perelman School of Medicine and supports medical students interested in health care management, entrepreneurship, technology and business. Over the past six…
November 25, 2019
Dear Colleagues -- Faculty, Students, and Staff,
As Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season approaches, I want to take this opportunity to share some reflections on what we have to be grateful for at Penn Medicine. First, I am grateful to each of you for your dedication and often selfless contributions to Penn Medicine. I also want to…
November 7, 2019
Along with my colleagues from the FOCUS program, I am delighted to announce that Eydie Miller-Ellis, MD, is the winner of the 2019 FOCUS Award for the Advancement of Women in Medicine. Dr. Miller-Ellis is a Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs and Diversity at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She…
October 10, 2019
Dear Perelman School of Medicine Faculty and Staff:
I am writing to remind you that Penn Medicine and the University have launched our annual workplace charitable giving campaign. Penn's Way will run until November 15. We can all help Penn Medicine and the University achieve our goal.
Last year's campaign to support programs that benefit our community was the most…
October 7, 2019
We are delighted to share the news that Penn Medicine graduate Gregg L. Semenza, M’82, GR’84, this morning was among three investigators awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology. He is part of a proud tradition of excellence among our alumni and faculty, becoming the ninth individual affiliated with Penn to receive the prize.
Dr. Semenza, who earned…
October 3, 2019
We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Penn Center for Genome Integrity (PCGI), under the leadership of founding director Roger Greenberg, MD, PhD. The PCGI will integrate cutting-edge research in our basic and clinical sciences to advance our fundamental understanding of genome integrity and its contributions to human biology.
Genome integrity is essential for organism survival, immune system…
September 27, 2019
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff,
There is still time to register for the ITMAT 14th Annual International Symposium -- “Translational Targets and Precision Medicine: Taming Inflammation and Improving Resilience as We Age.” The symposium will take place October 14-15, 2019, in the Arthur Rubenstein Auditorium of the Smilow Center for Translational Research.
The topic of this year’s symposium explores…
September 20, 2019
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year's recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence. The distinguished awardees exemplify our profession's highest values of scholarship, teaching, innovation, commitment to service, leadership, professionalism and dedication to patient care. They epitomize the preeminence and impact we all strive to achieve. The awardees range from those at the beginning of their…
September 19, 2019
Joy in Medicine
President Raymond, Dean Kerschner, distinguished college officials, trustees, faculty, students, family, and friends, I am honored to speak today at this very special occasion – the 2019 Medical College of Wisconsin Convocation. Thank you for that kind introduction.
As you just heard, I serve as EVP/Dean of Penn Medicine. Our academic medical center includes the first medical…
September 18, 2019
We are pleased to announce that Susan S. Ellenberg, PhD, will serve as interim chair of the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (DBEI), as Dr. Harv Feldman completes his six-year term and we begin a national search for his successor. Dr. Ellenberg will assume the role of interim Chair on October 1.
Dr. Ellenberg has been a DBEI faculty…
September 6, 2019
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Samuel Parry will serve as the interim chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He will assume this role beginning October 1st, as Dr. Deborah Driscoll transitions into her new leadership positions as SVP for the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania and Vice Dean for Professional Services.
Dr.…
September 5, 2019
We are writing to share two exciting leadership transitions that will serve as cornerstones of our strategy for both inpatient and ambulatory care as we prepare for a series of transformational clinical facility openings over the next several years.
Dr. Deborah A. Driscoll will become the Senior Vice President for the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania (CPUP) and…
September 3, 2019
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
This summer, the exterior façade of the Pavilion was locked into place, serving as a key milestone for our most ambitious building project and symbolizing Penn Medicine’s momentum as a leading academic medical center. When it opens in 2021, the Pavilion will be the most advanced inpatient facility in the world. However, important as the…
July 30, 2019
It is our pleasure to announce that Penn Medicine hospitals have been named among the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in the magazine’s annual “Best Hospitals” rankings.
As the combined Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, we were among only 21 institutions named to the publication’s Honor Roll…
July 23, 2019
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Kevin Foskett for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Physiology. The reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, internal committee review, and an external review by three leaders in the field.
The Department is highly regarded internationally for discoveries at the forefront of modern…
July 22, 2019
We are excited to announce the creation of the Penn Center for Global Genomics and Health Equity (Penn Global Genomics, PGG), under the leadership of founding director Sarah Tishkoff, PhD. The PGG will position Penn as an international leader in research and training in global genomics, genomic diversity and health disparities.
Health care disparities are among the most complex issues…
June 27, 2019
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Perelman School of Medicine’s Professionalism Campaign, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on what the Campaign has accomplished, the positive impact it is having on our culture, and what we still hope to achieve.
The Campaign, under the direction of Lisa Bellini, MD, Senior Vice Dean for Academic…
June 26, 2019
We are delighted to announce the formation of the Chronobiology and Sleep Institute (CSI), which will continue the advancement of research and collaboration in circadian biology and sleep at Penn.
Under the direction of Amita Sehgal, PhD, the new CSI will bring together researchers in multiple disciplines to bridge the basic and clinical sciences, promote educational activities, and increase awareness…
May 29, 2019
I am writing to share the news that Zeke Emanuel will be taking a one-year leave of absence from his position as Chair of Medical Ethics and Health Policy in the Perelman School of Medicine, effective July 1, 2019, to focus on several exciting new initiatives.
Zeke will continue to serve as the Diane v.S. and Robert M. Levy PIK…
May 28, 2019
We are excited to announce the creation of the Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute (LBI), under the leadership of founding director Edward E. Morrisey, PhD. The LBI will position both Penn Medicine and CHOP at the forefront of pulmonary research, developing novel approaches to prevent and treat human lung disease.
Chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial…
May 19, 2019
Good morning. I am Larry Jameson, Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine.
It is great to see this huge turnout -- and everyone is here to celebrate YOU, the Class of 2019.
I know you’re eager to walk across the stage, but we have a few formalities to accomplish first.
This ceremony is a wonderful occasion for each of…
May 17, 2019
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. John Dani for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Neuroscience. The reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review and an external review by three leaders in the field.
Established in 1992, the Department of Neuroscience is recognized nationally…
May 2, 2019
I am pleased to share the following message from the Office of the Provost, announcing the appointment of Rachel Werner, MD, PhD, as the new Executive Director of the Leonard Davis Institute.
May 2, 2019
Rachel Werner, MD, PhD, Appointed Executive Director of Penn LDI
Provost Wendell Pritchett and Dean J. Larry Jameson are pleased to announce the appointment…
April 4, 2019
We write to announce that after more than two decades of exceptional, impactful leadership as the Charles Harrison Frazier Professor of Neurosurgery and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine, M. Sean Grady, MD, will be stepping down from this role effective June 30, 2020. This transition will begin a new chapter in his distinguished…
April 2, 2019
I am pleased to announce the promotion of Lisa M. Bellini, MD, to Senior Vice Dean for Academic Affairs.
In this role, Dr. Bellini will assume new responsibilities for oversight of Clinical Department reviews and evaluation, leadership searches and onboarding, and serve as the Co-Director of the Wharton-Penn Medicine Executive Education Initiative – functions formerly led by the Vice Dean…
March 29, 2019
It is with a sense of great appreciation that I write to inform you that Harv Feldman, MD, MSCE, will be stepping down from his role as Chair of the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics (DBEI) at the end of his term on September 30, 2019.
Dr. Feldman’s transition is part of a restructuring of the relationship between DBEI…
March 21, 2019
We would like to congratulate the Class of 2019 on their success in the Match this week and share the results of their hard work with our academic community.
- The class overall has a 99% match rate, compared to the national rate of 94%
- 98% matched at an academic university program (ranged from 91-97% in the past 4 years)
- 32%…
March 20, 2019
We are pleased to announce our appointment of Kevin B. Mahoney as Chief Executive Officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), effective July 1, 2019. A well-known and universally well-respected member of the Penn and Penn Medicine communities, Kevin currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for UPHS, as well as the Executive Vice…
March 12, 2019
I’m pleased to share the news that the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has been ranked #3 among the nation’s medical schools by U.S. News & World Report in its annual survey of best graduate schools. This marks 22 consecutive years the school has garnered honors among the top 10 research-oriented medical schools.
Our daily pursuit…
February 21, 2019
It is our pleasure to invite you to join us as we celebrate Commencement on May 19, 2019, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and recognize the outstanding achievements of our graduating medical class. We are privileged this year to have two exceptional speakers – Reed V. Tuckson, MD, who will deliver the Commencement Address, and Edward T.…
February 19, 2019
I’m pleased to announce that Patrick Norton will be assuming new roles as Secretary to the Penn Medicine Board of Trustees and my Chief of Staff, effective March 1, 2019. He will continue to serve as Vice President for the Health System, with oversight responsibility for Public Affairs – communications, media relations, and government & community affairs – also reporting…
February 11, 2019
It is with mixed emotions that I inform you that Caryn Lerman, PhD, the John H. Glick, MD, Professor of Cancer Research in the Department of Psychiatry and Vice Dean for Strategic Initiatives in the Perelman School of Medicine, will be leaving Penn to become Director of the University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Keck…
January 17, 2019
To the Penn Medicine Community:
The arrival of Martin Luther King Day is an opportunity at the beginning of every year to renew our academic community’s vital commitment to advancing health equity. On January 23, we will mark MLK Day with the fifth annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Health Equity Symposium. This year's theme is “Achieving Population Health through…
January 15, 2019
Today, Penn Medicine is mourning the loss of Raymond G. Perelman, one of its most significant and committed partners in improving health — here on our campus, throughout the City of Philadelphia and beyond. Through his peerless generosity and deep and abiding engagement, Penn has become an even greater global force in patient care, research, and medical education.
With his…
December 17, 2018
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff,
As we prepare to turn the page on 2018, I want to thank you for making this another year of significant impact at Penn Medicine. Together, we continued along the path of Shaping the Future of Medicine, advancing Penn’s leadership in academic medicine, translating discoveries into better health, providing exceptional care for our patients,…
December 13, 2018
The Academy of Master Clinicians https://www.med.upenn.edu/fapd/academy-of-master-clinicians/ was launched in 2013 to recognize those Penn Medicine clinicians who exemplify the highest standards of clinical excellence, humanism and professionalism. Election to The Academy of Master Clinicians is the highest clinical honor to be bestowed on a Penn physician. Master Clinicians have been developing and implementing innovative programs focusing on career mentoring for…
November 1, 2018
Along with my colleagues from the FOCUS program, I am delighted to announce that Judith Long, MD is the winner of the 2018 FOCUS Award for the Advancement of Women in Medicine. Dr. Long is the Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine and Co-Director of the Center for Health Equity…
October 30, 2018
To My Penn Medicine Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Wharton to offer an executive education program designed for leaders in health care and academic medicine.
Leadership in a New Era of Health Care is intended to equip physicians, nurses, scientists and executives with the skills they need to drive change in their organizations.
As…
October 29, 2018
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
The past 96 hours of news has included a series of hateful acts: bomb scares, a mass shooting in a synagogue and a shooting at Kroger’s. These tragedies affect us all deeply. Some of you may have personal connections to these terrible events. We regret to inform you that the Perelman School of Medicine has…
October 24, 2018
We are excited to announce creation of the Penn Center for Nutritional Science and Medicine (PenNSAM), a partnership between Penn Medicine and CHOP that will position Penn at the forefront of nutritional biology research to prevent and treat disease.
Under the direction of Gary D. Wu, MD, PenNSAM will focus on integrating human clinical metadata, traditional dietary assessments, and standard…
October 19, 2018
It is with mixed emotions that I inform you that Daniel E. Polsky, PhD, the Robert D. Eilers Professor of Health Care Management in the Department of Medicine and the Wharton School and Executive Director of the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI), will be leaving Penn to join Johns Hopkins University in the spring in the Bloomberg School…
October 19, 2018
Dear Perelman School of Medicine Faculty and Staff:
I am writing to remind you that Penn Medicine and the University have launched our annual workplace charitable giving campaign. Penn's Way will run until November 16. We can all help Penn Medicine and the University achieve our goal.
Last year's campaign to support programs that benefit our community was the most…
October 3, 2018
To the Penn Medicine Community:
Penn Medicine faces a new opportunity and a new challenge, and we need your support. We are writing to announce an initiative to transform the way we use electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital media, to make them serve our patients better by helping them support our clinicians better.
The opportunity comes from recognizing…
September 17, 2018
We are excited to announce that Penn Medicine has formed a new alliance with Grand View Health, expanding our ability to care for patients across Bucks and Montgomery counties.
The alliance marks the expansion of an existing relationship between our two health systems which began in April of this year when Grand View became a member of the Penn Cancer…
September 12, 2018
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year's recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence. The distinguished awardees exemplify our profession's highest values of scholarship, teaching, innovation, commitment to service, leadership, and dedication to patient care. They epitomize the preeminence and impact we all strive to achieve. The awardees range from those at the beginning of their highly…
August 29, 2018
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
As we begin a new academic year, it is timely to reflect on the changing educational landscape. Within our thriving academic medical center, education remains our defining mission and is a pillar of our five-year strategic plan, Shaping the Future of Medicine 2.0. In this brief message, I will share with you some of the…
August 14, 2018
It is our pleasure to announce that Penn Medicine hospitals have once again been named among the top hospitals in the nation and #1 in the state of Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report in the magazine’s annual “Best Hospitals” rankings.
As the combined Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, we were among…
July 18, 2018
It is with appreciation that we write to inform you that Chyke Doubeni, MD, MPH, FRCS, will be stepping down from his role as Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, effective August 1, 2018. Continuing as a faculty member in the Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Doubeni plans to take a sabbatical to develop exciting new…
July 11, 2018
We write to share the exciting news that Penn this week entered into a formal alliance with the Vingroup to improve health care and to create new undergraduate and graduate medical training programs in Vietnam. The alliance is positioned to extend our global reach through the creation of a new Center of Regional Engagement in Southeast Asia.
Under the leadership…
June 26, 2018
I am delighted to announce the appointment of E. John Wherry, PhD, for a six-year term as Chair of the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics (SPATT), effective July 1. Dr. Wherry is the Richard and Barbara Schiffrin President’s Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology and an international leader in the study of T cell exhaustion, which prevents…
June 22, 2018
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jody J. Foster, MD, MBA, as the first Assistant Dean for Professionalism in Penn Medicine. Dr. Foster’s appointment to this newly created position advances the Campaign for Professionalism, which is being led by Dr. Lisa Bellini, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Foster is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Chair of…
May 31, 2018
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
In this season of renewal, we celebrate the graduation of students, welcome back our alumni, and begin a new Capital Campaign – The Power of Penn. In this brief communication, I want to express my admiration and gratitude to all of you who make Penn Medicine the best place in the world to learn,…
May 14, 2018
We are pleased to announce that Benjamin Sun, MD, MPP, FACEP, has been appointed chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Sun is an emergency physician and federally funded health services researcher who is nationally recognized for his expertise in the areas of safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness in health care. He joins Penn Medicine from Oregon Health & Science…
May 13, 2018
Good morning. I am Larry Jameson, the Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine. It is great to see this huge turnout – and everyone is here to celebrate YOU, the Class of 2018. I know you’re eager to walk across the stage, but we have a few things to accomplish first.
This ceremony is a wonderful occasion for each…
May 11, 2018
Dear BGS Faculty,
We are pleased to announce that the Blavatnik Family Foundation is directing a $2 million gift to create the Blavatnik Family Fellowship in Biomedical Research in the Penn Biomedical Graduate Studies Program. The Blavatnik Family Foundation has a strong history of supporting talented young scientists at premier institutions around the globe. The foundation is headed by American industrialist and…
May 10, 2018
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Frances Jensen for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Neurology. This reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review and an external review by three leaders in the neurology field. This process affirmed that, under Dr. Jensen’s leadership, the…
April 17, 2018
We are writing to inform you about an exciting new Wharton-PSOM partnership to co-create and deliver non-degree granting Executive Education in the areas of healthcare management and delivery, leadership development in academic health centers and health systems, and healthcare innovation.
To advance this initiative, we have formed a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) chaired by Drs. Christian Terwiesch (Wharton) and Caryn…
March 22, 2018
Dear Colleagues, Trainees, and Staff:
At Penn Medicine, professionalism is a core value within our institutional culture, fostering an environment of trust and teamwork. Indeed, professionalism is so basic to who we are as clinicians, scientists, and educators that it is easy to be taken for granted. However, like other determinants of success, it must be actively nurtured.
Penn Medicine…
March 5, 2018
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Mitchell Schnall for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Radiology. This reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review and an external review by three leaders in the radiology field. This process affirmed that, under Dr. Schnall’s leadership, the…
January 25, 2018
Protecting patient information is a top priority at Penn Medicine and one that requires all of us to play our part. Indeed, a key component of delivering top quality care to our patients is also taking care to protect the privacy and security of their information. We all must know the “do’s and don’ts” for keeping data secure, the services…
January 18, 2018
The Academy of Master Clinicians was launched in 2013 to recognize those Penn Medicine clinicians who exemplify the highest standards of clinical excellence, humanism and professionalism. Election to The Academy of Master Clinicians is the highest clinical honor to be bestowed on a Penn physician. Master Clinicians have been developing and implementing innovative programs focusing on career mentoring for medical…
January 17, 2018
As you may recall, we have chosen to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., with an annual symposium on Health Equity. Our program this year is especially significant, and we write to remind you that we will come together as a community on next Wednesday, January 24, as we welcome Dr. Howard Koh, former Assistant Secretary of…
January 9, 2018
We’re delighted to announce that the Princeton HealthCare System has officially joined Penn Medicine. Completion of this effort, which included a series of regulatory approvals over the past year, has further solidified Penn Medicine’s position as the leader in providing comprehensive care on both sides of the Delaware River.
Our connection to Princeton Healthcare has been an especially natural evolution…
January 8, 2018
The New Year is an appropriate time to resolve to promote clinician vitality and foster well-being. To that end, we write to share a statement submitted at the close of last year in support of the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience.
As you are aware, clinician burnout is a problem that affects all specialties…
December 22, 2017
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
With 2017 coming to a close, I want to thank you sincerely for the great work you have done to make this a truly memorable and impactful year at Penn Medicine. Together, we have reached some remarkable milestones.
It's been a year of amazing achievements -- FDA approval of CAR T-cell therapy for acute leukemia and gene…
December 19, 2017
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:
As many of you are aware, the gene therapy developed by Dr. Jean Bennett and her team for treatment of a rare, inherited form of retinal blindness -- Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) – was approved today by the FDA. This milestone marks the nation’s first gene therapy approved for the treatment of a genetic…
November 28, 2017
The 2018 Penn’s Way campaign officially drew to a close on November 10, and we are proud to announce that this year’s effort raised nearly $1.8 million – including a record $1.1 million through the generosity of Penn Medicine employees – to support the crucial work of charitable organizations and community service initiatives throughout our region. With 82 percent overall…
November 27, 2017
We are proud to share that thanks to the dedication, commitment, and industriousness of students in the Perelman School of Medicine, the student-led effort to help those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, raised more than $27,000. These funds have been matched by Penn Medicine, totaling more than $55,000 in contributions.
The funds will be divided between national and…
October 27, 2017
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Suzanne (Suzi) Rose, MD, MSEd will assume the role as the Senior Vice Dean for Medical Education in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, effective February 15, 2018. This search process and appointment follows several years of collaborative succession planning with Gail Morrison, MD who has admirably led…
October 17, 2017
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:
I take great pride in sharing with you the wonderful news that five of our colleagues in the Perelman School of Medicine -- Lewis A. Chodosh, MD, PhD (Department of Cancer Biology), Christos Coutifaris, MD, PhD (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology), Maria A. Oquendo, MD, PhD (Department of Psychiatry), Michael S. Parmacek, MD (Department of…
October 16, 2017
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to share with you Penn Medicine’s new Strategic Plan – Shaping the Future of Medicine 2.0: The Next Era of Innovation and Impact (2018-2023). You can find a link to the Plan here. Please note that while this serves as a high-level strategic roadmap to the future, it is not inclusive of the full range…
October 6, 2017
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Ezekiel (Zeke) Emanuel for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy. The reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review and an external review by three leaders in the field.
Established in 2011, the Department…
October 4, 2017
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Timothy R. Dillingham for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review and an external review by three leaders in the field.
Penn's Department of Physical Medicine and…
September 26, 2017
Dear Perelman School of Medicine Faculty and Staff:
This week Penn Medicine and the University launched our annual workplace charitable giving campaign, Penn's Way, which will run until November 10. We can all help Penn Medicine and the University achieve its goal. Last year's campaign was the most successful to date to support programs that benefit our community. Contributions by…
September 15, 2017
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pleasure and pride in announcing this year's recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence. The distinguished awardees exemplify our profession's highest values of scholarship, teaching, innovation, commitment to service, leadership, and dedication to patient care. They epitomize the preeminence and impact we all strive to achieve. The awardees range from those at the beginning…
August 28, 2017
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
The literature is replete with evidence of high rates of burnout among physicians, scientists, students, and staff who work in healthcare. While Faculty at Penn Medicine have contributed to this literature, we are certainly not exempt from the factors that lead to burnout. At Penn Medicine, we are deeply committed to engaging faculty with innovative…
July 14, 2017
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff:
As many of you have doubtless heard, the CAR T-cell therapy developed by Dr. Carl June and his team recently took a giant step forward at the FDA, where it was supported unanimously by an expert panel as the first-ever genetically targeted, cell-based therapy for the treatment of cancer. This scientific milestone has appropriately captured…
May 22, 2017
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
Last week, graduation marked a transition of our medical students and graduate students into the next phase of their careers. Our role as faculty and staff is to support them, and to impart knowledge, wisdom, and skills. Of course, the reality is that we also learn much from our students! As the academic year ends,…
March 23, 2017
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
I am writing to share with you a recent Grand Rounds presentation to the Department of Medicine. The talk, which is titled Shaping the Future of Medicine 2.0, focuses on the tremendous momentum Penn Medicine has achieved over the past five years and our planning process for the future.
We owe much of our progress…
March 10, 2017
It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Daniel P. Kelly, MD, as the new Director of the Penn Cardiovascular Institute (CVI), effective August 2017. Dr. Kelly, a longtime faculty member at Washington University in St. Louis, joins Penn from the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona, FL, where he has served as the founding Scientific…
March 3, 2017
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. George Cotsarelis for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Dermatology.
This reappointment follows a review process that included an extensive self-study, followed by an internal committee review and an external review by three international leaders in the dermatology field.
Under the strong leadership of Dr. Cotsarelis, the…
January 9, 2017
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
As the New Year begins, I want to express my aspirations for Penn Medicine and highlight some of the reasons I am optimistic about 2017. As an Academic Medical Center, we are facing forces of enormous positive change. Scientific discoveries are disrupting traditional paradigms for how we understand circadian biology, epigenetics, the microbiome, neuroscience, immunology,…
November 14, 2016
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff:
As I reflect on the recent election and events that have unfolded in the subsequent days, I want to reach out to the Penn Medicine community and express my understanding of the many reactions, emotions, and concerns of our faculty, students, staff, and patients. I am keenly aware of the stress that many of you…
October 5, 2016
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year's recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence. The distinguished awardees exemplify our profession's highest values of scholarship and teaching, innovation, commitment to service, leadership, and dedication to patient care. They epitomize the preeminence and impact we all strive to achieve. The awardees range from those at the beginning of…
September 6, 2016
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:
As the new academic year begins, I want to highlight the power of big ideas, and especially their ability to forge common purpose and spur long-term thinking.
During our 250th anniversary celebration last year, we highlighted Penn Medicine's impressive history of transformative discoveries that have changed science and health care. In recent years, with the…
May 18, 2016
Dear Colleagues and Students,
Innovation, inclusion, and impact are fundamental features of our culture of discovery at Penn Medicine and have been key themes in our strategic plan. With the excitement of graduation fresh in our minds, it's timely to reflect on how your creativity helped make for a truly outstanding year.
Let me begin by pointing out two concrete…
April 27, 2016
As many of you may have noticed, the pace of activities involving global health has accelerated dramatically on campus over the past several months. From brown bag lunches, to career development workshops, to the recent symposium with Paul Farmer, I'm pleased to note how a broad range of initiatives have cohered, catalyzing the global health community at Penn.
This momentum…
January 13, 2016
Dear Colleagues and Students:
As the New Year begins, I encourage you to mark your calendars for the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Health Equity Symposium on January 27. This important new tradition at the Perelman School of Medicine celebrates Dr. King's tremendous legacy and underscores our community's long-standing commitment to social justice.
MLK Day arrives this year…
December 16, 2015
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher D. Masotti, CPA, MBA, as Vice Dean for Finance and Operations in the Perelman School of Medicine, filling a vacancy created by the departure of Rebecca Cooke. The appointment is effective March 1, 2016.
Chris brings a wealth of experience in medical school finance and administration, higher education leadership, and public…
November 30, 2015
I write to announce that after 17 years of impactful and excellent leadership as the founding director of the Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), James A. Hoxie, MD, will be transitioning from this role. CFAR Co-Director Ronald G. Collman, MD, has been appointed as the new Director. The leadership transition, which Jim and Ron have been contemplating for some…
November 3, 2015
We write to alert you to new opportunities to engage with the Institute of Biomedical Informatics (IBI) and to update you on the latest developments in its exciting evolution.
Since the arrival of Jason Moore, PhD, eight months ago as the Institute’s inaugural Director, staffing has ramped up, the number of affiliated faculty has expanded, and programmatic development has accelerated.…
October 21, 2015
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:
I take great pride in sharing with you the wonderful news that our colleagues Frances Jensen, MD, FACP, and Sean Hennessy, PharmD, PhD, have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). The election of new members was announced earlier this week at NAM's annual meeting.
Election to NAM, formerly the Institute of Medicine,…
October 13, 2015
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Nancy A. Speck, PhD, for a six-year term as Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, effective October 1. A leader in the field of blood cell development, Dr. Speck has been a member of the department since 2008. She currently serves as Associate Director…
October 8, 2015
Dear Faculty, Students, and Staff,
President Gutmann and Provost Price recently released the results of a campus-climate survey on sexual assault and misconduct undertaken by the Association of American Universities (AAU) at Penn and 26 other institutions. The survey, which included students in the Perelman School of Medicine, as well as undergraduates and members of other graduate and professional schools,…
October 7, 2015
Dear Perelman School of Medicine Faculty and Staff:
This week Penn Medicine and the University launched our annual workplace charitable giving campaign, Penn's Way, which will run until November 20th. We can all help Penn Medicine and the University achieve our goal of $1,550,000. Last year's campaign was the most successful to date, raising more than $1,633,000 to support programs…
October 6, 2015
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year's recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence. The distinguished awardees exemplify our profession's highest values of scholarship and teaching, innovation, commitment to service, leadership, and dedication to patient care. They epitomize the preeminence and impact we all strive to achieve. The awardees range from those at the beginning of…
October 2, 2015
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff,
I write to highlight two upcoming events that capture our scientific community’s tremendous intellectual excitement at its very best. I hope you will join me for both the BGS@30 Anniversary Weekend October 8-10 and the ITMAT 10th Annual International Symposium October 12-13. Each program features a roster of talent that could be assembled no place other than…
August 31, 2015
Dear Faculty, Students and Staff:
Earlier this month we welcomed a new class of medical students and graduate students, symbolizing the beginning of another academic year. At the White Coat Ceremony, 156 students crossed the stage and slipped on their white coats for the first time, beginning their training in our noble profession. Of note, this is the Perelman School…
June 29, 2015
I am delighted to welcome Jonathan Epstein to his new role as Executive Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer for Penn Medicine, effective July 1. I am looking forward with great enthusiasm to working with Jon to usher in a new era of innovation and impact at Penn Medicine.
Jon is superbly equipped to lead our research mission as we…
June 8, 2015
Dear Colleagues and Students,
As the summer begins, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the yearlong celebration of our medical school's 250th birthday, which culminated last month with the dedication of the Jordan Medical Education Center, Medical Alumni Weekend, and the commemorative activities of our Gala celebration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Those events put…
March 9, 2015
On February 23, Dean J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, delivered a State of Penn Medicine address to faculty and staff in the Law Family Auditorium of the new Henry A. Jordan M'62 Medical Education Center. The address, foreshadowing the Perelman School of Medicine's 250th birthday celebration in May, highlighted recent advances in research, teaching, and patient care driven by successful…
February 2, 2015
I write to announce that after more than two decades of exceptional and impactful leadership at the Perelman School of Medicine, currently as Executive Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer, Glen Gaulton, PhD, will transition from this role in July 2015. This transition will begin a new chapter in his distinguished career at our institution. Glen has worked closely with…
January 30, 2015
Dear Penn Medicine Faculty, Students and Staff,
In his recent State of the Union address, President Obama announced that he intends to launch a new “Precision Medicine Initiative,” providing a timely opportunity to report on where we stand in this domain and where we are headed.
Our faculty recognized this topic as one of the key pillars of the Penn…
January 13, 2015
Dear Colleagues and Students:
I am writing to wish you a very Happy New Year and to welcome you back from what I hope were peaceful holidays with loved ones and friends. You are returning to a momentous semester in the life of Penn Medicine. It's no secret that 2015 marks the 250th birthday of the Perelman School of Medicine…
October 9, 2014
Dear Colleagues:
I take great pride in announcing this year's recipients of the Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence. The distinguished awardees exemplify our profession's highest values of scholarship and teaching, innovation, commitment to service, leadership, and dedication to patient care. They epitomize the preeminence we all strive to achieve. The awardees range from those at the beginning of their highly…
September 2, 2014
Dear Colleagues:
As we begin a new academic year, I want to welcome our new faculty, students, and trainees to Penn Medicine and wish everyone in our community a successful and most productive 2014-15 academic year.
The beginning of each academic year is always energizing. But two things set this year apart: 1) our medical school’s 250th celebration of the…
July 30, 2014
Dear Colleagues:
On any given day, the range of activity at Penn Medicine is both extensive and extraordinary. Given the scale of our academic medical center, I am initiating a number of additional forums for communication to highlight key strategic initiatives and issues important to our Penn Medicine. These will include: more frequent updates to our websites, informal meetings with…
