Program Leadership

The University at Buffalo MD-PhD Program is guided by a multidisciplinary leadership team dedicated to supporting trainees throughout their medical and graduate education. Working collaboratively, the Program Director, Associate Program Directors and Program Coordinator provide individualized guidance and support across all phases of training.

Program Director

Halterman, Marc

Marc Halterman, MD, PhD FAHA

Senior Associate Dean for Research Director, Office of Research Professor, Department of Neurology

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences 955 Main Street, Room 7165 Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-829-5347

Email: mwh22@buffalo.edu

Dr. Halterman provides overall leadership for the MD-PhD Program, including oversight of integrated training, trainee development, and program strategy. He is committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative training environment that prepares students for successful careers as physician-scientists.

Associate Program Directors

Alexander, Jessy

Jessy Alexander, PhD

Research Professor

875 Ellicott Street CTRC, 8030D Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-888-4852

Email: jessyale@buffalo.edu

As Associate Program Director of Phase 1, Dr. Alexander supports students during the initial phase of medical training, helping them establish a strong foundation in clinical medicine while exploring their research interests. She provides guidance on early research experiences, laboratory rotations, and preparation for the transition into graduate training.

Mastrandrea, Lucy

Lucy Mastrandrea, MD, PhD

Professor; Division Chief, Endocrinology/Diabetes

UBMD Pediatrics Division of Endocrinology/Diabetes 1001 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-323-0170; Fax: 716-323-0297

Email: ldm@buffalo.edu

As Associate Program Director of Phase G, Dr. Mastrandrea oversees the graduate phase of MD-PhD training, supporting students as they pursue their doctoral research while maintaining connections to clinical medicine. She provides guidance on academic progress, longitudinal clinical experiences, and preparation for the transition back to medical school. Her leadership helps trainees maintain and strengthen their clinical knowledge and skills throughout graduate training.

Hu, John

John Hu, MD, PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Associate Division Chief, Infectious Diseases

955 Main Street Office 5114 Buffalo, NY 14203

Email: conghu@buffalo.edu

As Associate Program Director of Phases 2 and 3, Dr. Hu oversees the clinical phases of MD-PhD training, supporting students as they transition from graduate research back into medical school. He provides guidance on clinical education, academic progress, residency preparation, and career development. His leadership helps trainees successfully navigate the final stages of medical training while preparing for careers that integrate clinical practice and scientific research.

Program Coordination

Marah Salyer.

Marah Salyer

MD-PhD Coordinator

955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-829-2658

Email: marahwat@buffalo.edu

As Program Coordinator, Marah Salyer supports the day-to-day operations of the MD-PhD Program and serves as a primary point of contact for current and prospective students. She coordinates admissions activities, program events, and student resources while providing guidance and support throughout all phases of training. She also facilitates communication between trainees, faculty, and program leadership to ensure continuity and coordination across the program.