Medicine Chair's Message

Medicine is at an inflection point—where discovery, technology, and humanity must come together to shape a better future for our patients and communities. At the Department of Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine, we are embracing this moment with purpose, ambition, and a deep commitment to our people.

Our vision is to build a department that excels across clinical care, research, and education, and redefines what is possible in academic medicine. We are advancing a model that is innovative, data-driven, and deeply human, one that delivers exceptional care while addressing the needs of rural and underserved populations across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Central to this vision is a commitment to those who make this Department what it is today. We will invest in our faculty, trainees, and staff, supporting their professional growth, fostering meaningful mentorship, and creating clear pathways for success across all career stages. By strengthening our existing programs and empowering our current teams, we will build on our strong foundation while thoughtfully recruiting additional talent that complements and elevates our strengths.

We will accelerate discovery by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and investing in high-impact science that translates to improved patient outcomes. At the same time, we are harnessing the power of emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, digital health, and precision medicine—to transform how care is delivered, making it more personalized, accessible, and effective.

Education remains at the heart of our mission. We are committed to cultivating a learning environment that prepares our students, residents, and fellows to be exceptional clinicians, innovative thinkers, and future leaders. By integrating research, technology, and humanism into training, we will ensure our learners are equipped to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Our culture will define our success. We are building a department grounded in inclusion, professionalism, collaboration, and accountability where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute. We will prioritize wellness, recognize excellence, and create an environment where people can do their best work.

Our ambition is clear: to position the Department of Medicine at Penn State as a nationally recognized leader—not only for excellence, but for impact. By investing in our people, strengthening our programs, and embracing innovation, we will improve lives and shape the future of healthcare.

I am excited to partner with you in this journey.

With warm regards,

Dawood Darbar, MBChB, MD
Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine
J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Medicine
Penn State College of Medicine