New leadership model announced for Loyola research institutes

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine has announced a new, collaborative leadership model for four research institutes.

Effective March 16, each institute will be led by two co-directors, a scientist and a physician.  The co-directors will oversee translational research ranging from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside.

“This leadership transition supports Stritch School of Medicine’s strategic plan and demonstrates Loyola’s continued commitment to enhancing all aspects of translational research,” said Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, dean and chief diversity officer of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Loyola’s invigorated research program will be housed in the $137 million Center for Translational Research and Education, which is scheduled to open in Spring, 2016 on Loyola’s Health Sciences Division campus in Maywood.

The Burn & Shock Trauma Research Institute will be led by Elizabeth Kovacs, PhD, and interim co-director Richard Gonzalez, MD.

The Cardiovascular Research Institute will be led by Seth Robia, PhD, and a physician co-director to be named. The Cardiovascular Research Institute will incorporate the Division of Neuroscience Research, led by Gwendolyn Kartje, MD, PhD.

The Infectious Disease & Immunology Research Institute will be led by Adam Driks, PhD, and James Cook, MD.

The Oncology Research Institute will be led by Michael Nishimura, PhD, and Patrick Stiff, MD.

“With the combined excellence of these individuals, our new dual leadership model will yield continued scientific success for Loyola and a better quality of life for our patients,” Dr. Brubaker said.