After 15 years of dedicated service, Stokes Peebles, MD, professor of Medicine in the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, stepped down as section chief of Allergy on July 1.
During his tenure, he grew the section into a nationally recognized center for excellence in clinical care, research and education.
He will continue to serve as the Elizabeth and John Murray Professor of Medicine and as associate director of the Allergy/Immunology Fellowship Training Program.
Katherine Cahill, MD, medical director of Clinical Asthma Research, was appointed the new section chief and assumed the role in July.
Cahill acknowledged Peebles’ legacy, saying, “His dedication has been instrumental in developing this center as a leader by setting new standards for research that help to give patients the best care. He’s modeled the culture for excellence and innovation that our division will continue to uphold.’”
To honor his contributions, the division held a gathering on Aug. 25 announcing the establishment of the Revolutionizing Scientific Paradigms in Allergy and Lung Disease Award — the “RSP” Award, named after Peebles’ initials. The annual award will celebrate a VUMC clinician or researcher who advances understanding and treatment of allergy and respiratory diseases.
Peebles earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1986, serving as an internal medicine resident until going on to complete fellowships in allergy/clinical immunology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and pulmonary and critical care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Since 1998, the Peebles Lab has conducted nationally recognized clinical research focused on identifying and improving treatment of allergy and respiratory diseases, specifically targeting lung inflammation.
His recent recognition in receiving the VUMC Excellence in Mentoring to Independence Award highlights his commitment to mentoring colleagues in establishing their careers and growth trajectory.
In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Peebles serves on the National Advisory Allergy and Infectious Diseases Council and is a member of the Association of American Physicians.
Looking back on his leadership, Peebles shared, “Fifteen years ago, when a section chief was needed, I said, great, and offered to help find someone. They said, ‘No, it’s going to be you.’ It turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done because of the incredible people I’ve worked with. I’m excited to see the program thrive under Dr. Cahill’s leadership.”
