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Robert W. Finberg, MD, the Richard M. Haidack Professor of Medicine and chair and professor of medicine, has shared his intention to step down as chair to return to the faculty to pursue his academic and research roles on a full-time basis, Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, has announced.
“Since 1999, when he was appointed chair of medicine, Dr. Finberg has skillfully directed the educational, clinical and research activities of our largest academic department, supporting the growth and evolution of some of our most eminent programs,” said Dean Flotte. “Dr. Finberg has been active in all aspects of clinical medicine, from working in the Lincoln Street Primary care clinic to caring for some of the sickest patients in the hospital. He dramatically expanded the faculty of the department of medicine, created new divisions, and nurtured other divisions, two of which have become independent departments. He has also developed several interdepartmental divisions and programs that span multiple departments and has established close ties with other academic institutions and clinical affiliates. He has also been a strong advocate for faculty and staff development, overseeing three residency programs and fellowship training programs in more than 15 specialty and subspecialty areas.”
In the near future, a search process will commence to identify Finberg’s successor, said Flotte; the search committee will be co-chaired by UMass Memorial Medical Center President Michael Gustafson, MD, MBA, and Professor of Population & Quantitative Health Sciences Catarina Kiefe, PhD, MD.
“It has been a distinct privilege to lead this large and diverse department for 20 years, and in doing so, to have had the opportunity to work alongside so many talented and dedicated colleagues,” said Finberg. “Personally, and professionally, the time is right for this transition and for the department to welcome new leadership and I look forward to continued collaboration with colleagues throughout our organizations in the coming years.”
