Messages from the Dean

A centralized resource for significant communications from the Dean of Medicine to our community.

  • Leadership Transition in Surgery at the Jacobs School
    4/2/26

    Steven D. Schwaitzberg, MD, who has led the Department of Surgery for more than a decade, will be stepping down from his role as chair effective June 20, 2026. His many years of leadership and service to the department and to our clinical partners are deeply appreciated.

  • Jacobs School Mourns the Passing of Paul Knight III, MD, PhD
    3/31/26

    I am deeply saddened to share the news that Paul Knight III, MD, PhD, a valued member of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, passed away on March 28.

  • Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Alastair Brownie
    3/11/26

    It is with great sadness that I share the news that our longtime colleague and friend, Alexander (Alastair) C. Brownie, PhD, DSc, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor emeritus of biochemistry, passed away early this morning, March 11. He had just celebrated his 95th birthday on Friday.

  • Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Perry M. Hogan
    3/3/26

    With heavy heart, I share the news of the passing of Perry M. Hogan, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of physiology and biophysics and former chair of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.

  • A Message of Remembrance and Gratitude for Dr. Carroll Harmon
    2/13/26

    It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the sudden passing of Carroll McWilliams (Mac) Harmon, MD, PhD, on Feb. 11. He was a cherished member of our faculty in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and an extraordinary leader in pediatric surgery.

  • Leadership Transition in Radiation Oncology at Jacobs School
    2/9/26

    After many years of distinguished service, Michael Kuettel, MD, PhD, MBA, will retire from his positions as professor and chair of radiation oncology at the Jacobs School and chair of radiation medicine with our health care partner, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

  • Leadership Update: Transition in Advancement
    2/6/26

    It is with mixed emotions that I share that Jeff Comanici will be leaving his role as assistant vice president for advancement at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.