Last month, faculty, staff and students at Indiana University School of Medicine learned that Anantha Shekhar, MD, PhD, executive associate dean for research affairs and principal investigator of the IU Grand Challenge Precision Health Initiative has been named the new dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
“I accepted the promotion after realizing that what we built here is at a great place for a transition,” said Dr. Shekhar. “We are well on our way to realizing our goals on the road to cures for some of the state and nation’s most dreaded diseases through the Grand Challenge Precision Health Initiative and well positioned for a new leader to take research to even greater heights.”
Following Dr. Shekhar’s departure in mid-May, IU School of Medicine Dean Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, will personally lead research affairs on an interim basis, including the Precision Health Initiative. Hess said he plans to fill the role of executive associate dean for research affairs closer to the end of the year.
“This approach allows for continuity with ongoing recruitments and a number of initiatives and funding proposals that are currently underway,” said Dean Hess. “We are committed to ensuring our researchers receive the support they need and continue to build on the strong foundation Dr. Shekhar has put in place.”
