School Notes: School of Medicine
January/February 2023

Genetic skin disorders specialist named chief of dermatology

Keith Choate ’01PhD, ’04MD, became chair of the Department of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and chief of dermatology of Yale New Haven Hospital, effective October 1, 2022. Choate will work collaboratively with delivery network leadership to advance dermatological services across the Yale New Haven Health System. An active clinician specializing in genetic skin disorders, Choate is widely recognized for his research in rare skin and systemic conditions. As chair, he will expand dermatology’s clinical presence, research funding, and faculty. He will continue to develop a research program in dermatology that spans clinical trials, disease-focused clinical research, and basic and translational research. He also will seek to cultivate mentorship at all levels and facilitate collaboration within the clinical and research environments. Choate succeeds Rick Edelson ’70MD, who led the department for 36 years.

National Academy of Medicine elects two faculty members

Peter M. Glazer ’84MD, ’87PhD, and Saad B. Omer have been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine. New members are elected by current members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. Peter M. Glazer is chair and Robert E. Hunter Professor of Therapeutic Radiology and professor of genetics. He researches new strategies for treating cancer and the role of altered DNA repair in tumor progression. Saad B. Omer is the inaugural director of the Yale Institute for Global Health, Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Medicine (infectious diseases) at Yale School of Medicine, professor of epidemiology of microbial diseases at Yale School of Public Health, and adjunct professor at Yale School of Nursing. His work has been cited in global and country-specific policy recommendations and has informed public health practice, clinical vaccine recommendations, and legislation in the United States and globally.