Research

Jill Halterman to Lead Clinical Research

Oct. 6, 2016

Jill Halterman, M.D., M.P.H., an accomplished physician and scientist whose research has helped guide the delivery of asthma care in Rochester and elsewhere, has been appointed Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), pending approval from the University's Board of Trustees.

Halterman, a professor of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry who also serves as Chief of the Division of General Pediatrics, begins her term Jan. 1.

“This is an exciting opportunity, and my hope is that we can continue to enhance community-based research and think about health on a broad, population level,” said Halterman. “I look forward to working with my research colleagues throughout the university to help them build on their ideas and achieve their goals.”

“Jill’s work with asthma delivery has centered on the development of models that are both sustainable and scalable,” said Mark B. Taubman, M.D., Dean of the Medical School and CEO of URMC. “Given her experience, we believe she’s the perfect choice to work with our researchers to help translate their work to affect health across a population.”

Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Research at URMC, mentioned Halterman’s long track record of impactful and innovative research and her reputation as a collaborator among the many reasons he felt she was a fit for the position.

“She’s very involved in issues of population health and that’s the direction the medical center needs to tilt toward,” said Dewhurst. “Her ability to build bridges with disparate groups of stakeholders who may not already be working together — that’s a great strength and I anticipate she will bring the same strength to this role.”

Halterman will report to Dewhurst, and will work alongside Edith Lord, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Studies; and Dirk Bohmann, Ph.D., incoming Senior Associate Dean for Basic Research.

In addition to her goals around population health, Halterman is also hoping to create a research environment where young investigators can thrive, and she feels strongly about ensuring that the proper mentorship and support is available to researchers early in their careers.

“We need to think about trainees and junior investigators and facilitate their involvement in this type of research,” said Halterman. “It’s vital for us to help shape the next generation of scientists who are working in this area.”

Halterman will replace Karl Kieburtz, M.D., who is stepping down from the position.