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.
March 25, 2022
We write with sadness to let you know of the passing of Dr. Helen Conrad Davies, who died peacefully March 23, 2022, at 97. Our condolences go out to her family and the entire community.
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.
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.
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 a time of extraordinary resilience, perseverance, and partnership. Together, we have sustained our historic university missions of teaching and research, while striving to keep each other safe and supported through many unpredictable changes. We have been through a lot, we have learned a lot, and now we are seeing better days ahead.
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.
March 2, 2022
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Bennie H. Jeng, MD, as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology 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 School of Medicine (UMSOM). His appointment at Penn Medicine takes effect July 1.
February 24, 2022
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 healthy communities – we abhor all forms of violence and threats to the culture and lives of any group. The unprovoked and unjustified attack against the people of Ukraine and their independence is the antithesis of the values we hold dear as professionals, as citizens, and as human beings.
February 10, 2022
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 8, 2022.
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 is also Director of the Center for Translational Bioinformatics and Associate Director of the Penn Center for Precision Medicine. Dr. Ritchie succeeds Jason Moore, PhD, as the new IBI Director. Her appointment takes effect immediately.
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.
January 17, 2022
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.
December 15, 2021
This week marks a year since the Covid mRNA vaccines first became available in the United States. With every individual vaccinated across the globe, our pride grows, as does our belief that this is only the beginning of a whole new era in science and medicine that Penn is at the ready to define. Today, we are delighted to announce creation of the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, which will cement our position at the forefront of translational research to develop novel vaccines and therapeutics for a wide range of illnesses.
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 Penn Medicine’s rise on the world’s stage, in particular through her outstanding stewardship of our Committee on Prestigious Awards and Honors.
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 for monumental discoveries and lifesaving science.
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.
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 retention. We write today to share more details about each of these efforts.
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 catalyze this evolution – with your passion for academic medicine, your commitment to improve health for all, and your ability to use evidence-based knowledge.
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 100.
October 26, 2021
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 highly promising careers to those whose distinguished work has spanned decades. The 2021 award recipients are:
October 21, 2021
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.
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 women’s health.
September 28, 2021
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 this unique learning opportunity.
September 24, 2021
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 Family Professor of Vaccine Research, and Katalin Karikó, PhD, an adjunct professor of Neurosurgery at Penn and a senior vice president at BioNTech, have been honored with the 2021 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, which is widely regarded as America’s top biomedical research prize.
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 to the climate emergency at the local or global scale.
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).
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 these research projects can have a long legacy, and can lead to enduring mistrust and painful memories. Learning from our history can also inform current and future practices. The University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine have critically examined and reflected on this matter with the goal of ensuring that we evolve as an institution and fulfill our commitment to health equity in all domains of our mission.
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.
August 11, 2021
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 education programs: Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS), Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs (BPP), Master’s and Certificate Programs (MaC), Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), and Undergraduate Medical Education (UME). The IDEAL resources and programming will be made available for residents and fellows who are currently supported via efforts of the clinical departments.
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.
August 9, 2021
We are delighted to welcome the Class of 2021 to the Perelman School of Medicine. We take great pride in our inclusive culture, our dynamic learning environment, and our groundbreaking research.
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).
July 27, 2021
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 Honor Roll, and the top hospital in both Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Lancaster General Health also garnered impressive honors this year, ranking #4 in Pennsylvania.
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.
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.
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 has directed the IOA with distinction since 2002, establishing Penn as an international leader in aging-related research.
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 academic affairs. She is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional and is known as an adept collaborative leader, focused on inclusive processes and faculty support.
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.
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 with a two-year extension of his term as Department Chair.
June 8, 2021
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 diverse groups. This is wholly unacceptable anywhere. It is all the more unconscionable in a free and educated nation that anyone should fear for their safety or be forced to endure the vile rantings and sickening symbols of bigotry.
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.
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.
May 18, 2021
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.
May 16, 2021
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.
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 Maxillofacial Surgery.
May 3, 2021
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 infrastructure capacities.
April 19, 2021
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: A mass shooting targeting Asian American women; a video of a young military officer, an Army lieutenant, being pepper sprayed by police during a routine traffic stop, and the shooting of Daunte Wright at the hands of a police officer who has been charged in his death.
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 establish the FAPD’s structure and approach to supporting faculty through the development of relationships that help them achieve the highest standards of excellence in academic medicine.
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.
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 assumes emeritus status.
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 Commencement Speaker Rajiv J. Shah, MD, MS. A graduate of PSOM and Wharton, Dr. Shah now serves as President of The Rockefeller Foundation.
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 California, Davis.
March 19, 2021
The Class of 2021 celebrated their accomplishments on Match Day today. We congratulate our students on their success and join them in joyous reflection of their great achievement during their time at the Perelman School of Medicine as they look forward to their promising futures.
March 17, 2021
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.
February 11, 2021
As we know you are aware, Penn Medicine recently announced the Action for Cultural Transformation (ACT), a multi-year strategic plan to combat systemic racism across our institution and in the communities we serve. Development of the plan over the past six months included significant input from BGS students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, and staff. The information gathered through this process in collaboration with the Combatting Racial Inequities Committee (CRIC) led by Drs. Donita Brady and Mary Mullins, has informed our approach to improve the culture and experience of all members of our community. We are writing to thank and acknowledge all those who participated in the ACT process and to reaffirm our commitment to having a tangible positive impact on inclusion and diversity in the BGS community.
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 the foundation to a new generation of cures and treatments for a variety of diseases. He will continue in his roles as Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Vice Dean and the William Wikoff Smith Professor of Cardiovascular Research in the Perelman School of Medicine, and take on new responsibilities within the health system.
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 of Medicine.
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.
January 18, 2021
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 own institution and in the communities we serve. We are well positioned to do so. We are a community united by science and medicine’s call to service. The generosity, compassion, and drive that exists among our workforce is deeply engrained in every care interaction, discovery, and breakthrough that happens within our institution’s walls every day.
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 in the Division of Intramural Population Health Research in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
December 21, 2020
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 that joined the coronavirus pandemic to the epidemic of racial inequity in our country with exemplary compassion, determination, and imagination.
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 Management in The Wharton School, and the Department of Family and Community Health in the School of Nursing.
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.
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.
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 Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Due to current pandemic, the effective date is still being finalized but will occur in mid-March to allow for a smooth transition at both institutions.
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 Health System, share their thanks and gratitude for our Penn Medicine community.
November 17, 2020
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 from Penn President Amy Gutmann, Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia School District leaders with more details on this historic pledge.
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.
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.
October 29, 2020
As we draw closer to next week’s election, we are reminded of the ways in which our nation is divided, but that is not the path we choose as an organization. No matter our political beliefs, it is a point of pride – and our constant expectation – that everyone at Penn Medicine treats one another with civility, tolerance, and respect.
October 28, 2020
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.
October 27, 2020
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 highly promising careers to those whose distinguished work has spanned decades.
October 7, 2020
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.
September 30, 2020
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.
September 25, 2020
As the election approaches, I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. The COVID19 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.
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.
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.
August 19, 2020
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, and the strengths of the community that brought them here. This year those welcoming events were virtual, but the excitement was real. And it gives me great pleasure to tell you that the new academic year is off to an excellent start.
July 29, 2020
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 than keeping our patients, families, colleagues and communities safe and healthy, and the creativity and commitment our team brought to this task was a daily inspiration.
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 new position begins November 1.
July 24, 2020
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, once said, “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.”
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, is currently Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Jefferson.
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 Medicine Office of Inclusion and Diversity (OID) in partnership with Penn Medicine Academy and leaders and representatives throughout our institution. This plan, called Action for Cultural Transformation (ACT), has been posted on the OID website.
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 as the focal point for all quality, clinical, medical science issues, survey and certification, and policies for CMS programs.
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.
June 8, 2020
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 Community Dialogue on Racism, Racial Justice and Social Equity
May 31, 2020
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 their neighbors.
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 is the highest clinical honor for a Penn Medicine physician.
May 17, 2020
Commencement is a beginning and a time of joy for our graduates. On behalf of the entire Penn Medicine community, we share our pride in your many accomplishments.
May 17, 2020
You are becoming doctors at an exciting time for medicine. The tools we have for discovery, diagnosis, and treatment have never been more powerful. As you enter medical practice, the use of imaging, minimally invasive surgery, new medicines, informatics, and artificial intelligence will allow you to make diagnoses earlier and treat diseases with ever-increasing precision and better outcomes.
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 Mount Sinai in New York City. Her appointment as Department Chair at Penn takes effect September 1.
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.
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.
April 16, 2020
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.
April 13, 2020
By the end of this week, the Employee Assistance Fund will have processed more than 6,000 applications, providing emergency grants totaling over $3 million – beyond our initial commitment of $1 million – to assist staff with needs such as childcare, housing, and food. We’ve already supplied these much-needed funds to 1,600 employees. The remaining applications are being processed and will be paid within the next week.
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 in our hospitals, emergency departments and virtual clinics.
April 2, 2020
A few weeks ago, we announced the creation of the Penn Medicine Employee Assistance Fund– $1 million in emergency grants to support the members of our team who are most in need of help. Penn Medicine staff, including full-time, part-time, per diem, and those employed through third parties, who are in significant financial distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a $500 grant.
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 the economic damage of these measures will cause more harm than the disease itself, these steps will actually ensure our economic health, since commerce cannot thrive until we have substantially contained the virus.
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 for promotion will be based.
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!
March 20, 2020
The Class of 2020 celebrated their accomplishments on Match Day today at noon using a virtual process. We join our students in the joyous reflection of great achievements during their time at the Perelman School of Medicine. We congratulate the Class of 2020 on their success in the Match and share the results of their hard work with our academic community.
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 potential exposures to both patients and other staff, resulting in quarantine for those employees.
March 17, 2020
As 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 to let you know about some of the extra precautions being taken to provide the safest environment possible for students, patients, faculty, and staff during this unique and rapidly evolving challenge. This included three significant announcements, made Friday morning:
March 16, 2020
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Daniel Yoshor, MD, 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 Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. His appointment as department chair at Penn takes effect July 1.
March 15, 2020
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 what we must do as an institution to slow the spread of this virus in our community.
March 13, 2020
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 by your efforts, and want to thank you for your commitment as this outbreak continues.
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 and Penn Medicine leader for many years, Dr. Armstrong now serves as Chair of the Department of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief at Massachusetts General Hospital and is the Jackson Professor of Clinical Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
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.
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 the wellness of critical care faculty -- were selected in the first round of funding.
January 13, 2020
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 devotion to his vision of social justice. His message is as urgent as ever, and at Penn Medicine we hear it clearly.
January 6, 2020
We are delighted to announce the election of 11 new members of The Academy of Master Clinicians, which is the highest clinical honor to be bestowed on a Penn physician. The Academy was launched in 2013 to recognize those Penn Medicine clinicians who exemplify the highest standards of clinical excellence, humanism and professionalism.
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.
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.
December 17, 2019
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 will highlight a few examples of our progress over the past year and also underscore the impact and durability of our success.
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 years, it has grown into a nationally recognized program that provides medical students with real-world opportunities to explore, experience, and contribute to innovation.
November 25, 2019
As Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season approaches, I want to take this opportunity to share with you some reflections on what we have to be grateful for at Penn Medicine. First, I am grateful to each of you for your hard work and often selfless contributions to Penn Medicine. I also want to highlight our culture, arguably the most enduring and impactful feature of our academic medical center.
November 7, 2019
Along with my colleagues from the FOCUS program, I am delighted to announce that Eydie Miller-Ellis, MD, is the recipient 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 and serves as the Chief of Glaucoma Service and Director of the Glaucoma Fellowship Program at the Scheie Eye Institute and Director of Glaucoma at the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center.
October 10, 2019
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.
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.
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.
September 27, 2019
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.
September 20, 2019
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 highly promising careers to those whose distinguished work has spanned decades.
September 19, 2019
Each of you will have your own story in medicine. My goal over the next 10 minutes is to highlight decision points in my own career and to emphasize that there is great flexibility and joy in medicine that touches every mission. I have found joy in clinical practice, research, teaching, and mentoring, and will share with you an example of each.
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.
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.
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 Vice Dean for Professional Services in the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Peter D. Quinn will be transitioning from his current role to become Chief Physician Executive for the Penn Medicine Medical Group (PMMG).
September 3, 2019
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 capital projects are to our future, it is timely as a new academic year begins to reflect on Penn Medicine’s most important asset – our people.
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.
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 Department is highly regarded internationally for discoveries at the forefront of modern physiology.
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.
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.
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 of the health relevance of daily rhythms and sleep.
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 Professor, and as Vice-Provost for Global Initiatives, two key areas of focus which are closely aligned with the new work he’ll be taking on.
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.
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. This ceremony is a wonderful occasion for each of you, and we couldn’t have hoped for a more talented, hard-working group of graduates.
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 Department is well-positioned to excel over the next six years. We look forward to working with Dr. Dani during his second term to foster continued progress and innovation, and ask that you join us in congratulating him on this reappointment.
May 2, 2019
I am pleased to join with Provost Wendell Pritchett in announcing the appointment of Rachel Werner, MD, PhD, as Executive Director of the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI).
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 career at Penn Medicine and as a national leader in the field.
April 2, 2019
I am pleased to announce the promotion of Lisa M. Bellini, MD, to Senior Vice Dean for Academic Affairs.
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.
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.
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 Dean for Integrative Services for the Perelman School of Medicine.
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.
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. Anderson, MD, who will serve as the Class of 1969 50th reunion speaker.
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 to the CEO of UPHS.
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 School of Medicine.
January 17, 2019
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 Health Equity.” The symposium will feature keynote speaker Jonathan Woodson, MD, former Assistant Secretary of Health Affairs for the U.S. Department of Defense. I was fortunate to learn from Dr. Woodson as a medical intern on his team at Mass General Hospital. He has been an eloquent champion of the Military Health System, and his talk is sure to be stimulating and inspiring.
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.
December 17, 2018
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, and training the next generation of physicians and scientists.
December 13, 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. We are proud and delighted to announce the 2018 class of inductees.
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 Research and Promotion (CHERP) at the Corporal Michael J. Cresenz VA Medical Center.
October 30, 2018
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.
October 29, 2018
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 a connection to the tragedy in Pittsburgh as we lost a loyal Penn family member - one of the Pittsburgh victims, Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, was a Penn alumnus: C'73 and M'77.
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 nutritional biomarkers with data generated using the latest high throughput molecular profiling technologies analyzed through the use of advanced biostatistical and computational algorithms.
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 of Public Health and the Carey Business School.
October 19, 2018
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.
October 3, 2018
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.
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
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.
August 29, 2018
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 ways we are advancing medical education at Penn to adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare environment and to meet the needs of future physicians and biomedical scientists.
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.
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 areas in population health that build upon his robust research program.
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.
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 optimal control of infections and can hamper anti-tumor immune responses.
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.
May 31, 2018
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, discover, or receive care. Below, I share a few highlights from the past year to justify this statement.
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.
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.
May 11, 2018
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.
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. Under her leadership, the Department has thrived, with robust clinical activity, excellent research programs, and highly competitive educational programs.
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.
March 22, 2018
At Penn Medicine, professionalism is a core value within our institutional culture, fostering an environment of trust and teamwork. Penn Medicine is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. We should always aspire to continuous improvement. In pursuit of this goal, I am pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative, the Campaign for Professionalism, which is being led by Lisa Bellini, MD, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs.
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. The reappointment follows a review process affirming that, under Dr. Schnall's leadership, the Department is on an exceptional trajectory, with strong nationally recognized programs across all areas of the academic and clinical missions.
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't s" for keeping data secure, the services and tools available to assist, and where to direct any questions or concerns.
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. We are proud and delighted to announce the new members of the Academy and look forward to continuing to expand this group with additional outstanding individuals in the coming years.
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 Health, as our fourth annual MLK Speaker. In our professional lifetimes, we cannot remember a more pivotal moment in our journey for health equity.
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.
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.
December 22, 2017
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.
December 19, 2017
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 disease and the first in which a new, corrective gene is injected directly into a patient.
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. We are grateful to be part of a community with such an inspiring spirit of giving.
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.
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 at the Perelman School of Medicine, effective February 15, 2018. This search process and appointment follows several years of collaborative succession planning with Gail Morrison, who has led the Perelman School of Medicine to its current position of eminence.
October 17, 2017
I take great pride in sharing with you the wonderful news that five of our colleagues in the Perelman School of Medicine have been elected to the National Academy 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 Medicine); and Flaura K. Winston, MD, PhD (Department of Pediatrics).
October 16, 2017
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). As each of you appreciate, academic medicine faces dynamic change in each of our mission areas. While much of this change is induced by the external environment, we are in a unique leadership position to shape the field and insure that we adapt proactively to new opportunities and challenges.
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.
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.
September 26, 2017
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.
September 15, 2017
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.
August 28, 2017
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 programs that maximize well-being, enhance productivity, and make us a preferred place to work.
July 14, 2017
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 achievement has been hailed as opening a new era in medicine.
May 22, 2017
I know that it is impractical for most of you to attend the graduation ceremonies. For that reason, I want to take this opportunity to share some lessons I learned from our speakers, and express my appreciation to all of you for all that we have accomplished in the last year
March 23, 2017
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. Owing to the quality of our faculty, students, and staff, the breadth and depth of our accomplishments are truly remarkable. I hope you will take a moment to reflect on them.
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, 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 Director. Dr. Kelly is nationally renowned for his work on mitochondrial function, with emphasis on heart failure and diabetes.
March 3, 2017
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of George Cotsarelis, MD, for a second six-year term as Chair of the Department of Dermatology. Under Dr. Cotsarelis's strong leadership, the Department has evolved from being a leading department to arguable one of the top Departments of Dermatology in the country.
January 9, 2017
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, and cancer metabolism, among other areas.
November 14, 2016
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 feel as we face a time of uncertainty and digest many months of often bitter dialogue and the accompanying acrimony that has persisted in the days since the election.
October 5, 2016
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.
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
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.
April 27, 2016
Activities involving global health have accelerated dramatically on campus over the past several months. This momentum is the direct result of the formation last July of the Center for Global Health under the leadership of Glen Gaulton. I am writing to share with you the steps we are taking to create new opportunities for our faculty and students in this domain.
January 13, 2016
MLK Day arrives this year as our national conversation about social justice and the frustrating persistence of barriers to inclusion has intensified. It is therefore even more timely to remind ourselves that the pursuit of social justice, and by extension health equity, is deeply embedded in the core values of professionalism..
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. Chris brings a wealth of experience in medical school finance and administration, higher education leadership, and public accounting in the corporate sector.
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.
November 3, 2015
We write to alert you to new opportunities to engage with the Institute of Biomedical Informatics and to update you on its exciting evolution.
October 21, 2015
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). Drs. Jensen and Hennessy bring to 66 the number of current and emeritus members of the Penn Medicine community who are NAM members.
October 13, 2015
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.
October 8, 2015
President Gutmann and Provost Price recently released the results of a campus-climate survey on sexual assault and misconduct. I write today to convey my personal deep dismay about these findings.
October 7, 2015
This week the University and Penn Medicine launched our annual workplace charitable giving campaign, Penn's Way, which will run until November 20th.
October 6, 2015
I take great pride in announcing the recipients of this year's Penn Medicine Awards of Excellence.
October 2, 2015
I write to highlight two upcoming events that capture our scientific community’s tremendous intellectual excitement at its very best.
August 31, 2015
Earlier this month we welcomed a new class of medical students and graduate students, symbolizing the beginning of another academic year.
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.
June 8, 2015
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.
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.
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.
January 30, 2015
As President Obama reminded us, we are on the cusp of a new era of medicine that delivers the "right treatment at the right time."
January 13, 2015
The core values and character of our scientific community were established 250 years ago by John Morgan and his colleagues, who in founding our medical school established the template for academic medicine in the United States.
October 9, 2014
The contributions of these clinicians and scientists exemplify the outstanding quality of patient care, mentoring, research, and teaching of our world-class faculty.
September 2, 2014
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 founding of the school in 1765 and 2) the momentum that has been building as we approached this milestone, especially the great progress we have made across Penn Medicine in the past year to advance each of our mission areas.
July 30, 2014
Penn Medicine has been a national leader in our effort to accelerate the translation of basic research into clinical applications. The creation of ITMAT, along with a number of other Centers and Institutes, has had the desired effect of catalyzing translational research, and this is reflected by remarkable growth in high impact publications. This exciting pace of discovery creates a predictable need to streamline and make as effective as possible the natural outlets of translational work in technology transfer and clinical trials.
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