I’m pleased to announce that Karen M. Frank, MD, PhD, D(ABMM), will join the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo as the Peter A. Nickerson, PhD, Professor and chair of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, effective Feb. 15, 2026.

I am pleased to announce that Troy D. Woodard, MD, is joining the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology, effective Feb. 1, 2026. 

As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I’m thankful for, both personally and professionally.

I am pleased to announce two important leadership transitions at the University at Buffalo’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) — a cornerstone of our efforts to transform scientific discoveries into tangible health improvements for our community.

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Howard Wilinsky, MD ’61, a cherished alumnus, donor, emeritus faculty member, volunteer and lifelong friend of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.

September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, and today — September 17 — is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day.

The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is pleased to announce the launch of a national search for the next chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. This leadership role is critical to advancing the department’s excellence in research, education and clinical collaboration.

I’m pleased to welcome Asim Khan, PhD, who will join the University at Buffalo as health sciences chief data and information officer on Sept. 2. He will also serve as chief data and information officer for UBMD Physicians’ Group, the affiliated medical practice plan of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and executive director of UBIT HIPAA Compliance.

It is with deep gratitude and admiration that I share the news that Timothy F. Murphy, MD, senior associate dean for clinical and translational research, will retire from the University at Buffalo on Oct. 3, after an extraordinary 44 years of service to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UB and the Western New York community.

I am excited to welcome Heather Gardiner, PhD ’06, who has been appointed as the inaugural Carl V. Granger Endowed Chair in Health Equity and director of the Community Health Equity Research Institute (CHERI) at the University at Buffalo.  

I am pleased to announce that Michael G. Malkowski, PhD, has been appointed interim chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, effective July 16.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra Fernando Sieminski, MD, as interim chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. 

I'm pleased to share that Dr. Jennifer A. Surtees has been appointed chair of the Department of Biochemistry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.

As spring unfolds on medical campuses with commencements and white coat ceremonies, here at the Jacobs School, May carries a particular significance. Today, we mark May 14 with solemn remembrance, acknowledging the third anniversary of the tragic, racially motivated shooting at Tops Friendly Supermarket, a profound event for our community.

It is with a mix of both pride and sadness that I announce David Dietz, PhD, chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, will be leaving the University at Buffalo to assume the role of dean at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, effective Aug. 1.

The Jacobs School of Medicine is launching two critical leadership searches for the chairs of the Department of Otolaryngology and Department of Pathology/Anatomical Sciences. 

It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Beth A. Smith, MD, as the permanent chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and president of UBMD Psychiatry, the school’s practice plan, effective March 1. After a rigorous national search, Dr. Smith, a highly accomplished clinician-scientist with proven leadership, was chosen to lead the department, building upon her successful tenure as interim chair since July 2023.

This Friday, Feb. 28, marks the culmination of a week-long celebration of our incredible Jacobs School trainees across Western New York, leading up to this special Thank a Resident & Fellow Appreciation Day. We extend our gratitude to these individuals for their extraordinary contributions. Their resilience, dedication and vital role in our community are invaluable.

With great appreciation, I extend my heartfelt thanks to James D. Reynolds, MD, the Jerald and Ester Bovino Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, for his remarkable 28 years of leadership. A visionary in the field, Dr. Reynolds will retire from his role as chair on July 1, 2025.

Suzanne G. Laychock, PhD, will be stepping down from her role as senior associate dean for faculty affairs at the Jacobs School. Jessica L. Reynolds, PhD ’03, will be stepping into this role.

It is with great appreciation that I thank John E. Tomaszewski, MD, a SUNY Distinguished Professor, for his outstanding contributions since 2011 as Peter A. Nickerson,  PhD Professor and Chair of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences (PAS) at the Jacobs School and chief of service for Kaleida Health Laboratories. As he steps down from these roles, effective July 1, we extend our deepest gratitude for his outstanding contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

I am thrilled to announce that the University at Buffalo has once again been awarded the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA). 

I’m pleased to announce that Steven D. Schwaitzberg, MD, has accepted the role of interim chair of the Department of Otolaryngology, effective Feb. 1. Dr. Schwaitzberg succeeds David A. Sherris, MD, who served as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology since 2005.

We are pleased to announce that Bradley Beardslee will be assuming the role of interim director of the Office of Medical Computing (OMC), effective Jan. 4.

We are pleased to announce that Mark Sutton, PhD, professor of biochemistry in the Jacobs School, will be assuming the role of interim chair of the Department of Biochemistry, effective Jan. 1. 

This holiday season, I am grateful for your dedication and excellence, which are the foundation of our success at the University at Buffalo and the Jacobs School.

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.

Today, we join in commemorating Juneteenth, a day that marks a significant milestone in the journey toward freedom and equality in our nation. 

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.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of James Mills as the new chief operating officer and chief business officer (COO/CBO) of UBMD.

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 is graduation day for 175 of our medical students at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo!

As Volunteer Appreciation Week approaches, I encourage our school community to join me in expressing gratitude to our dedicated volunteer faculty. 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Robert F. McCormack, MD, MBA, as the interim executive director of UBMD Physicians' Group

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. 

It fills me with immense pride and joy to share in the celebration of our fourth-year medical students every year on Match Day.

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. 

As we enter Thank a Resident & Fellow Appreciation Week ...

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.

As my family gathers for the holidays, I'm filled with immense gratitude for each of you. Your dedication, talent, and pursuit of excellence have been the bedrock of our achievements this year. 

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, a time of reflection, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication to patient centered care and to the pursuit of discovery that improves health outcomes at home and abroad.  

Last week, I gave my second annual State of the School Address, highlighting the Jacobs School's accomplishments over the past year.

Dr. Les Bisson to Lead UBMD’s Transformation to Improve Clinical Quality, Patient and Clinician Experience and Care Delivery

Dear Jacobs School Community,

I’m heartbroken to share that we have lost a beloved member of our Jacobs School family. E. Brooke Lerner, PhD, passed away on October 4, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 52 years old. 

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Talking about suicide and mental health can be difficult, but it's important to reduce stigma.

I am writing to share with you the bittersweet news that Dori R. Marshall, MD ’97, will be stepping down from her role as associate dean and director of medical school admissions. 

I am pleased to announce that Marc Halterman, MD, PhD, has been appointed as the incoming senior associate dean and executive director for the Office of Research and will be joining the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences on October 26.

Over the last few weeks, I have had the pleasure of celebrating several important milestones with our Jacobs School community, including orientation, a student clinician ceremony and both short and long white coat ceremonies. 

I am pleased to announce that Beth A. Smith, MD, has been appointed as interim chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and interim president of UBMD Psychiatry. She will assume her new duties as of July 1, 2023.

As a school dedicated to equitably providing the highest level of health care to all people, the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences echoes UB President Satish K. Tripathi’s message reaffirming our UB values of social justice and diversity in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on race-conscious admissions programs.

I would like to take a moment to recognize the great participation from the Jacobs School in this past weekend’s celebration of Black pride at the Juneteenth Buffalo Festival.

As you drive around the city this June, it is obvious from the burst of rainbow flags that Pride Month is in full bloom. These symbols remind us of our solidarity and support of our LGBTQIA+ community in its pursuit of dignity, equality, and acceptance every day. 

Today 300 new graduates at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo received degrees in biomedical science fields. This marks the next step in a long journey for these talented scholars and scientists. 

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the retirement of Steven L. Dubovsky, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, effective June 30, 2023.  An active researcher, teacher and clinician, we are pleased that he will remain involved in the department and the school.  

As we approach the first anniversary of the deadly shooting at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue that took 10 lives, my heart still aches for the loss that occurred that day. 

It is with a heavy heart that I share news of the passing of William Dillon, MD ‘70, at the age of 78 in Florida. He was a longtime governing board chair and professor in our Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and specialized in medicine, biology, chemistry, obstetrics & gynecology, maternal fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies. 

Today is graduation day for 175 of our medical students at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo!

Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in the annual Match Day with fourth-year medical students from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. 

In the wake of the controversy regarding the Young Americans for Freedom student chapter event at the University at Buffalo on March 9, the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences stresses that it does not agree with the political commentator’s views on transgenderism and we offer our strong support to the transgender community.

We are finally starting to feel the warmth on our faces and seeing longer days as the sun sets later in the evening. These are all cues that spring will soon be here.

Today, Feb. 24, the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo joins with the Gold Humanism Honor Society and our hospital partners to celebrate national “Thank a Resident Day.” 

The countdown to commencement has begun! Over the course of the next few months, the Class of 2023 will be finishing final projects, making memories, and preparing to celebrate accomplishments! 

I am pleased to share that Andrea T. Manyon, MD, has been appointed as chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. She has successfully led the department as interim chair for the past year.

While the Christmas Blizzard of 2022 has passed, its impact still reverberates across all of Western New York, including here at the University at Buffalo. 

As I reflect on the life and work of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., today, I remember one quote in particular: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman.” Throughout my career, I have drawn inspiration from his message of inclusivity; I hope you will, too. 

I am pleased to share that Stacey A. Watt, MD, has been appointed as interim chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. 

At the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, the year 2022 was filled with many ups and downs. But one thing that remained constant: the UB True Blue spirit ...

I wanted to once again thank all the individuals at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and our hospital partners who continued working throughout the devastating blizzard. 

All of us at the Jacobs School send our heartfelt thoughts and well wishes to those of you who have been affected by the blizzard.  

Academic medicine plays a critical role in enabling medical research that leads to the diagnostics, treatments, cures 

Season’s Greetings,

Just one year ago, I was embarking on a new journey and settling into my home here in Buffalo.

Having now experienced the full array of seasons, I’m happy to once again experience the winter holidays.

This is a special time of year when we reflect on gratitude. I am incredibly grateful and excited. This is a great time to be part of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo!

I am pleased to share that Brian M. Murray, MD, has been appointed as Interim Chair of the Department of Medicine ...

Joseph E. Gambacorta, DDS, has been appointed as interim assistant vice president of Office of Interprofessional Education at the University at Buffalo.

September is the American Medical Association’s Women in Medicine Month, a time to recognize the barrier-breaking female physicians, residents, faculty, staff and students of the past and present that are paving the way for the growing number of women in the profession

It is with great excitement that we welcome everyone to campus for what we hope will be a successful academic year. The Schools of Health Sciences at the University at Buffalo continue to take proactive actions to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the retirement of Patricia J. Ohtake, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FNAP, effective September 2022.

August marks more than just the back-to-school season, it is also National Immunization Awareness Month. While we have had a strong focus on COVID in the last few years, it’s important that we acknowledge that both Polio and Monkeypox have recently reared their ugly heads.

This past week, I had the privilege of attending my first White Coat Ceremony with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. What a wonderful day it was, full of excitement and anticipation for faculty, staff, and families there to celebrate this new chapter in the lives of our medical students.

This past weekend, I heard about 716 Day (July 16) for the first time. It was obvious that area residents have built up this day that celebrates their area code and their pride in the City of Good Neighbors. In true Buffalo fashion, 716 Day has transformed into an opportunity for the community to give back, too. 

I’m very pleased to share that the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo recently received a highly competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH)-National Library of Medicine (NLM) T15 Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Training Grant renewal, increasing the school’s capacity to prepare the next generation of biomedical informatics and data scientists.

It is important to note that Juneteenth falls within Pride Month. Each is an opportunity for us to learn about a community, people or culture, to have a conversation with someone we might otherwise not speak with about meaningful things.