Landry Named Chair of Dept. of Medicine

Interim Dean Donald Landry was named the permanent dean of the Department of Medicine at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons earlier this month.

Although the department conducted a rigorous nationwide search, Landry—who has held the position for the past year—was the final choice. Landry, a nephrologist and internal medicine expert, has worked in the department of medicine for 22 years as a researcher, clinician, and teacher.

As permanent dean, Landry said he hopes to revamp the Medical House Staff Training Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital and emphasize fiscal responsibility. The central goal of the department of medicine, Landry explained, is to balance and maintain excellence in the three core areas of research, teaching, and clinical activity.

Despite his administrative role, Landry said he does not like to be tied to his desk in the East wing of the hospital. “I’m still very hands on,” he said. He will continue to teach a class on pathophysiology, work with residents and patients weekly, and run his lab dedicated to artificial enzymes and drug discovery.

Qais Al-Awqati, professor of medicine and a nephrology specialist, praised the department chair as an excellent researcher and professor. He said that students selected Landry as their favorite teacher last year.

Al-Awqati also spoke highly of Landry’s ability to run a department smoothly, citing his takeover of the financially struggling Nephrology Department in 2001. Under Landry’s leadership, the department “completely turned around” and started making money, he said.“It’s a real stroke of luck that some of us are good at administration,” Al-Awqati said of Landry’s leadership.

Dr. Katherine Nickerson, associate professor of clinical medicine and vice chair of medical service operations and education, lauded Landry’s ability to motivate his colleagues. She explained his philosophy that “nothing is too small to be done well,” and noted that “people around him tend to respond” to his high standards.

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