Nationally Recognized Health Disparities Researcher Chosen to Lead Department of Medicine

Dear Jacobs School Community,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Leonard E. Egede, MD, MS, as the new chair of the Department of Medicine in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, effective July 1. Dr. Egede joins us from the Division of General Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he has distinguished himself as a leader in health care innovation and medical education.

He will also be president and CEO of UBMD Internal Medicine of the UBMD Physicians' Group. 

Currently a tenured professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Egede holds several leadership positions: chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine, director of the Center for Advancing Population Science, and the inaugural holder of the Milwaukee Community Chair in Health Equity Research. His expertise encompasses a wide range of health care delivery, research and education.

Dr. Egede emerged as the top choice after a rigorous national search that attracted a diverse group of highly qualified candidates. With a wealth of experience and a stellar record of leading interdisciplinary groups, he brings a breadth of expertise that spans our missions of clinical care, education, research and community partnerships.

Dr. Egede's vision for the Jacobs School’s Department of Medicine goes beyond his remarkable accomplishments. It's anchored by a strong commitment to strengthening primary care and building a robust physician workforce for Western New York. He recognizes the vital role that primary care physicians play in promoting community health and addressing the unique health care needs of our region. This commitment is further reflected in his support for pathway programs both at the high school and college levels, aiming to increase the number of individuals from underrepresented groups pursuing careers in medicine.

With over 24 years of academic leadership, Dr. Egede has spearheaded significant initiatives in research, mentorship and faculty development. His research endeavors include leading numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, which encompass five NIH R01 grants, an NIH R21, and nearly $20 million in total NIH funding secured. Notably, he also directs a six-year, $2.8 million project funded by Advancing Healthier Wisconsin, focused on addressing health disparities in Milwaukee's African American community. Dr. Egede's scholarly contributions are evident in his extensive publication record of over 450 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his impactful research and commitment to advancing health equity.

Furthermore, Dr. Egede's dedication to mentorship and faculty development has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous researchers and clinicians. His leadership roles in academic programs, such as the Medical College of Wisconsin CTSI master’s in clinical/translational research and the KL2 program, have been marked by innovation and inclusivity, resulting in expanded research portfolios and increased diversity among scholars.

In addition to his scholarly achievements, Dr. Egede has demonstrated a commitment to inclusive excellence through initiatives focused on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within his division. He has successfully implemented strategies to address pay gaps, foster leadership diversity and promote equitable recruitment practices, resulting in a more inclusive and representative environment.

Dr. Egede's clinical expertise in general internal medicine, with a focus on diabetes and geriatrics, further enriches his leadership capabilities. In addition, his extensive administrative responsibilities, he maintains a clinical practice, providing invaluable insights into patient care and system-level challenges.

Dr. Egede grew up in the central part of Nigeria and he earned his medical degree from the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, and his master’s from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Egede's postgraduate training and fellowship appointments include an internship and residency in internal medicine at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, where he also served as chief resident. Additionally, he completed a Health Services Research Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Egede embodies the qualities of a visionary leader who is poised to advance the Department of Medicine at the Jacobs School. His proven track record of transformative leadership, research excellence, commitment to diversity and inclusion and dedication to primary care make him an exceptional choice for this role.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Egede as he assumes his new role. Under his guidance, I am confident that the Department of Medicine will continue to excel in its mission of health care innovation, education and community engagement.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Brian M. Murray, MD, for his outstanding service as the interim chief of the department over the past two years. His leadership has been invaluable, and I am deeply appreciative of his dedication to our school and community.

I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the search committee members: Robert F. McCormack, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, and associate dean for ambulatory strategy at the Jacobs School; and Thomas A. Russo, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Infectious Disease at the Jacobs School. Their support and guidance throughout this process have been invaluable.

Sincerely,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Vice President for Health Sciences
University at Buffalo