By DoM Communications | Date published: June 3, 2026
Fernando Martinez Appointed as Interim Chair of the Department of Medicine
The Department of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Fernando J. Martinez as Interim Chair, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Martinez transitions into this role from his position as Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research and Academic Chief of Pulmonary Medicine, where, over the last two years, he has been instrumental in advancing the Department’s research mission by expanding high-impact clinical trials, increasing investigator-initiated studies, and strengthening infrastructure to support faculty and trainees engaged in scientific inquiry.
In his current vice chair role, Dr. Martinez led the creation of a novel “Vitamin K” plan that has been implemented to standardize and better support the department’s growing cadre of early career award recipients. He has co-directed the Department of Medicine Research Core, chaired the Research Core Executive Committee, and overseen the Cancer Research Office, which supports a broad portfolio of over 50 clinical trials across the institution. An internationally recognized leader in chronic lung diseases, Dr. Martinez brings decades of experience across leading academic institutions, including the University of Michigan, Yale University, and Weill Cornell Medicine, along with a distinguished record of NIH-funded research, scientific leadership, and mentorship of early-career investigators.
Dr. David McManus’ proudest achievement as Chair has been creating a dynamic and diverse leadership team, comprised of five new vice chairs and two new senior administrators, who now oversee departmental research, education, and clinical activities. Dr. McManus credits his Executive Vice Chair, Dr. Kate Fitzgerald, and his entire senior leadership group as being instrumental to the success of the department.
During Dr. McManus’ chairmanship, the Department of Medicine has experienced remarkable growth and transformation across its clinical, research, and educational missions. He quickly established two new research divisions, Innate Immunity and Health Systems Science, to elevate PhD scientists and to enhance the Department’s unique and historic scientific identity. This strategy yielded remarkable dividends, with the department’s research portfolio growing to an all-time high of $70M in 2025. The department’s clinical activities have also grown by nearly 80%, recently exceeding one million patient visits and tests annually, and have become more community-based and chronic disease-oriented.
Finally, Dr. McManus has been a fierce advocate of the department’s graduate and undergraduate educational efforts. He has helped establish four new fellowships (obesity medicine, digital health research, clinical informatics, and advanced hepatology), new education and research residency tracks, a new NIH T32 digital medicine training program, a novel Finberg Physician Scientist Training Program, and expanded the categorical residency, as well as the rheumatology and renal medicine fellowships.
Since 2021, the Department has welcomed 11 new academic or clinical division chiefs across key areas, including Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Gastroenterology, General Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Health Systems Science, Hematology/Oncology, Hospital Medicine, Innate Immunity, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Renal Medicine, and Rheumatology. In addition, 9 new directors and 2 new senior administrators have been hired or appointed to lead critical priority areas such as administration and finance, diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice and belonging, faculty development, clinical research, quality, and digital medicine. This new generation of leaders is ably positioned to continue to move the department forward.
As Interim Chair, Dr. Martinez will build upon an incredibly strong foundation, working closely with the Department, UMass Memorial, and UMass Chan leadership to ensure continuity, sustain momentum across mission areas, and support faculty, trainees, and staff during this important period of transition. A key priority in his interim role will be to support the national search process for the next permanent Chair of the Department of Medicine, ensuring a thoughtful and strategic transition of leadership. Dr. Martinez’s experience in departmental leadership (having previously served as Interim Chair), as well as his collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to academic medicine, position him well to guide the Department during this time and to successfully pass the baton to its next leader.
The Department of Medicine is grateful to Dr. Martinez for his willingness to serve and for his continued dedication to its faculty, trainees, and staff. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Martinez on his appointment and supporting him as he assumes this important leadership role.