Terence Dermody, M.D., director of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) and Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is leaving to become chair of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, physician-in-chief at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and scientific director of the Rangos Research Center.
Dermody, Dorothy Overall Wells Professor of Pediatrics, has been on the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine faculty since 1990. He was named director of the MSTP in 2003 and director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in 2008.
He will begin his new position on June 1, 2016.
“I have truly enjoyed my time at Vanderbilt. I would not have had an opportunity like that in Pittsburgh without the support, encouragement and inspiration of my students and colleagues here. I will miss Vanderbilt very much.”
Dermody, a virologist with interests in viral pathogenesis and vaccine development, has focused most of his research on reovirus, an important experimental model for studies of viral encephalitis, and chikungunya virus, a virus that causes epidemics of arthritis. His research contributions have aided in an understanding of how those viruses enter into host cells and cause organ-specific disease.
“Terry brings passion, creativity and dedication to everything he does,” said Lawrence Marnett, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Research. “He has been a tremendous leader and advocate for the MSTP, so we are all going to miss him greatly.
“However, he is so excited about this new opportunity that it is hard to be anything but very happy for him. I’m sure I speak for the Vanderbilt community in wishing him the very best.”
Dermody, who received his medical degree from Columbia University, taught at Harvard prior to coming to Vanderbilt. In addition to teaching students, residents and fellows, he has trained 30 graduate students and 20 postdoctoral fellows in his laboratory.
He has also received several teaching awards, including a Vanderbilt University Chair of Teaching Excellence, and is a founding member of the Vanderbilt Teaching Academy.
“We are all sorry to see Terry leave,” said Bonnie Miller, M.D., associate vice chancellor for Health Affairs and senior associate dean for Health Sciences Education.
“His contributions to the MSTP the past 12 years have been immeasurable, and his enthusiasm and devotion to our students have been extraordinary. However, his new role at Pittsburgh is a wonderful opportunity for him and a great next step. We wish him only the best.”
Steven Webber, MBChB, MRCP, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, echoed Miller’s sentiments.
“Terry exemplifies all that is good in a physician-scientist leader — a wonderful team builder, scientist, mentor, clinician, teacher and administrator. We are very sorry to lose him, but are pleased that he is moving to a wonderful new opportunity. We know he will be equally successful in this next phase of his career.”
