Dr. Anne Marie Lennon to Lead Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC
In a groundbreaking announcement, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC have appointed Dr. Anne Marie Lennon as the new chair of the Department of Medicine. Dr. Lennon, a renowned physician-scientist and pioneer in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, will assume her role on March 1, 2024. This appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the department, furthering the progress towards gender equality in medicine.
A Vision for Collaborative Excellence
As the chair of the largest department in the Pitt School of Medicine, Dr. Lennon will oversee a team of more than 1,000 faculty members, responsible for a combined clinical and research revenue of nearly $600 million. In addition to her administrative duties, she will continue to provide clinical care as a gastroenterologist specializing in early cancer detection and prevention. Dr. Lennon’s vision for the department is to foster a diverse and collaborative culture where high-impact research is swiftly translated into patient care. She believes that Pittsburgh’s unique combination of a cross-disciplinary health sciences academic program, a world-class health system, and partnerships with insurance providers and venture capital arms, positions the city to provide the very best evidence-based and sustainable healthcare.
Advancing Early Cancer Detection
Dr. Lennon is internationally recognized for her expertise in the management of precancerous pancreatic lesions. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the development of tests for early cancer detection and their implementation in clinical practice. Pancreatic cancer, although relatively rare, is one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to its challenging early detection. Dr. Lennon’s work aims to improve the identification of this disease at its earliest stages, thereby increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Elevating National and International Standing
The appointment of Dr. Lennon is expected to further elevate the national and international standing of the Department of Medicine at Pitt and UPMC. Driven by her vision, the department aims to enhance population health and health equity in local communities. This includes translating basic scientific discoveries into clinical applications, advancing educational and career opportunities for students and faculty, and developing new evidence-based, patient-centered, and equitable models of healthcare delivery. The collaboration between Pitt’s School of Medicine and UPMC’s vast clinical enterprise and insurance plans will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.
A Distinguished Career and Selection Process
Dr. Lennon obtained her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and her Ph.D. from University College Dublin. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Cleveland Clinic and Mater Misericordiae Hospital and Wexford General Hospital in Ireland. Dr. Lennon furthered her training with fellowships in gastroenterology in Edinburgh, Scotland, and advanced endoscopy at Johns Hopkins. Since 2010, she has been a faculty member at Johns Hopkins, where she currently serves as the Moses and Helen Golden Paulson Professor of Gastroenterology and directs the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
The selection process for the chair of the Department of Medicine was extensive and led by Dr. Donald M. Yealy, chief medical officer at UPMC and Distinguished Professor and UPMC Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine at Pitt. Dr. Lennon’s appointment follows the tenure of Dr. Mark T. Gladwin, who assumed the role of dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Dr. Lennon will succeed interim chair Dr. Mark W. Geraci, associate vice chancellor for interdisciplinary research and professor of medicine at Pitt.
A Leader of Impact and Vision
Dr. Lennon’s leadership extends beyond her scientific contributions. She has held numerous leadership positions, shaping current and future guidelines for medicine. Notably, she served on the governing board of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), where she played a pivotal role in developing the society’s strategic plan and international guidelines for the care of patients with pancreatic cysts. Dr. Lennon’s efforts also led to the establishment of the ASGE Women’s Task Force, which addressed inequities in career advancement and pay equity, resulting in positive change within the field.
Conclusion:
Dr. Anne Marie Lennon’s appointment as chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC represents a significant milestone in the field of medicine. Her expertise in early cancer detection, dedication to patient care, and commitment to collaborative excellence make her the ideal candidate to lead the department. Dr. Lennon’s vision for advancing research, education, and equitable healthcare delivery will undoubtedly elevate the department’s national and international standing, benefiting patients and communities alike. As the first woman to hold this esteemed position, Dr. Lennon paves the way for future generations of female leaders in medicine.
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