Associate Dean for Ambulatory Strategy Named at Jacobs School

Dear Jacobs School Community,

I am pleased to announce that Robert McCormack, MD, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, has been named associate dean for ambulatory strategy at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.

In this new role, Dr. McCormack, a faculty member and leader at the Jacobs School for over 25 years, will spearhead a crucial transformation initiative: shaping UBMD's non-surgical ambulatory practice plans into a cohesive, patient-centric unit designed to thrive in the evolving health care landscape.

This marks a significant step forward in the Jacobs School's commitment to enhancing health care access and experience for Western New Yorkers. As associate dean, Dr. McCormack will drive access and workforce integration, champion collaborative transformation and foster patient-centered excellence across the non-surgical ambulatory network.

Working closely with UBMD leadership, clinical partners and university stakeholders, Dr. McCormack will create a shared vision and actionable strategies for non-surgical ambulatory care.

Dr. McCormack's deep understanding of both clinical and administrative spheres, coupled with his proven leadership track record, makes him well-suited to lead this transformation. His dedication to our community and passion for patient-centered care are truly inspiring.

He brings a wealth of experience to this new role. Beyond his current position as chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine and president of UBMD Emergency Medicine, his impressive credentials include extensive clinical expertise in emergency medicine and a strong record of community leadership and partnership, recognized through numerous awards and honors.

Dr. McCormack's academic journey began with a strong foundation in science, earning his bachelor of science in chemistry from McGill University. He then earned his medical degree at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine's Jacobi Medical Center. Rounding out his impressive background, Dr. McCormack also holds an MBA from UB’s Executive Master of Business Administration program, equipping him with valuable business acumen for this new leadership role.

Driven by a passion for teaching, he then ventured to Boston University School of Medicine to share his knowledge as an instructor in the emergency medicine department, molding the next generation of medical professionals. This diverse academic background, culminating in both clinical mastery and pedagogical experience, lays a solid foundation for Dr. McCormack's new leadership role.

Dr. McCormack's research delves into crucial areas of emergency medicine, contributing to improved patient care and understanding of critical conditions. His primary areas of research include acute onset headache and subarachnoid hemorrhage, emergency department management and cardiovascular emergencies. 

With Dr. McCormack at the helm, the Jacobs School and UBMD are poised to deliver on their shared mission: providing Western New York with exceptional, accessible health care across the lifespan. Join us in congratulating Dr. McCormack on this exciting new chapter and wishing him the very best in shaping the future of non-surgical ambulatory care.

Onwards and upwards,


Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Vice President for Health Sciences
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
University at Buffalo