I am pleased to share news that UB’s medical residents and fellows have voted to ratify a three-year contract which will provide salary increases to achieve wage parity with peer institutions, as well as funding to offset health care costs and support for professional development opportunities.
As we gather to celebrate this season of gratitude, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your dedication, compassion and support of our mission. This Thanksgiving, let’s remember the profound impact we can have on others through our actions and our care.
It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of our esteemed colleague, L. Nelson “Nick” Hopkins, MD, who passed away this weekend. A true pioneer in neurosurgery, Dr. Hopkins was known for his groundbreaking research, innovative surgical techniques and commitment to patient care. His work in treatment of cerebrovascular disease and cross-specialty collaboration profoundly impacted our institution and the broader medical community.
I am excited to announce the appointment of Daniel Woo, MD, as the new Irvin and Rosemary Smith Endowed Chair of the Department of Neurology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, effective December 1. Dr. Woo brings extensive experience, expertise, and a passion for advancing neurological care, making him a vital addition to our leadership team.
I am thrilled to announce that Michael Oldani, PhD, will be joining the University at Buffalo as the executive director for interprofessional education (IPE) for health sciences, effective October 1. Dr. Oldani brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having served as the university director of interprofessional practice and education at Concordia University Wisconsin, as well as a professor in the School of Pharmacy for the past nine years.
I am writing to announce that Mark R. O’Brian, PhD, will be stepping down from his role as chair of the Department of Biochemistry at the University at Buffalo at the end of this calendar year. Dr O’Brian will remain a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry, continuing to contribute to our academic community.
I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Brian M. Parker, MD, as the new chair of the Department of Anesthesia at the Jacobs School. Effective October 1, 2024, Dr. Parker will also serve as the senior associate dean for clinical affairs for the Jacobs School, and chief medical officer of UBMD, the school’s practice plan.
I am excited to announce the appointment of Benny L. Joyner, Jr., MD, MPH, FCCM, as the A. Conger Goodyear Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, effective January 6, 2025.
I am excited to announce that the University at Buffalo has been awarded a $3.6 million grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. This award, titled “Igniting Hope in Buffalo, New York Communities: Training the Next Generation of Health Equity Researchers,” recognizes our university's exceptional research opportunities and strong community partnerships.
As the founding academic program of our institution, the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has always been central to the overall success of the University at Buffalo.
I’m pleased to share that Steven D. Schwaitzberg, MD, has accepted the role of interim chair of the Department of Neurology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
We are thrilled to welcome Jeffry Comanici as the new assistant vice president for principal gifts and executive director of advancement at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Jeff brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering academic excellence and community engagement.
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer L. Pugh, MD, MBA ‘09, as the director of the MD/MBA program at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, effective July 1. Dr. Pugh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, drawing from her distinguished career in emergency medicine and her commitment to medical education and leadership.
It is with mixed emotions that I announce Gil I. Wolfe, MD, has decided to step down from his role as the Irvin and Rosemary Smith Chair of the Department of Neurology, after years of dedicated service.
This past weekend, we celebrated the incredible accomplishments of our nearly 250 new graduates in biomedical science fields at the Jacobs School. This milestone not only signifies their hard work and dedication but also heralds a new chapter of endless opportunities.
For medical campuses across the United States, spring is a time of celebration with commencements, white coat ceremonies and reunions underway. However, for the Jacobs School of Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, it is also a time of solemn reflection, as we remember the tragic racially motivated shooting that occurred on May 14, 2022, at the Tops Friendly Supermarket a few miles from our downtown building.
As we celebrate Nurses’ Week (May 6-12) and Hospital Week (May 12-18) this May, it's a time to reflect on the vital partnerships that drive our mission for a healthier tomorrow. The synergy between our institution and clinical affiliates underscores the indispensable role of nurses and the entire clinical team in ensuring patient safety and high-quality care.
I am excited to announce the appointment of Kara M. Kelly, MD ’89, as the associate dean for pediatric translational and population health research at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
Today, as we come together with health care organizations nationwide to observe National Doctors’ Day, which happens on March 30, I extend heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed faculty, students, residents, fellows, the UBMD Physicians’ Group and our valued hospital partners.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Leonard E. Egede, MD, MS, as the new chair of the Department of Medicine in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, effective July 1.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kristina Costanzo-Metcalfe, MEd, as the interim associate vice president for business operations and unit business officer at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Nicholas M. Fusco, PharmD, as interim executive director for Interprofessional Education (IPE) for health sciences. A seasoned educator and renowned scholar, Dr. Fusco brings over a decade of experience and unwavering dedication to IPE, making him ideal to guide the University at Buffalo’s continued ascent as a national leader in collaborative health care education.
February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the immense contributions of Black Americans to our nation and, closer to home, to our own 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.
I'm pleased to welcome Rutao Yao, PhD, a renowned medical physicist in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, as the new interim chair of the Department of Nuclear Medicine. We are confident Dr. Yao's leadership and expertise will build upon the department's strong foundation and propel it to even greater heights.
After a distinguished tenure as interim chair and professor, Robert S. Miletich, MD, PhD, has stepped down from his role of interim chair and professor nuclear medicine, leaving a lasting legacy at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
While many Western New Yorkers today are basking in celebration of a Buffalo Bills’ playoff victory (Go Bills!), it would be remiss of any of us to not pause and reflect on another celebration.
It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our beloved colleague and renowned physician, M. Laura Feltri, MD. She lost her battle with cancer on Dec. 25, surrounded by her loved ones in her native Italy. Dr. Feltri was 60 years old.
It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the passing of Frederick Sachs, SUNY Distinguished Professor of physiology and biophysics at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, on Dec. 27 at the age of 82.
