Barry P. Sleckman, M.D., Ph.D., has been named the Conan Professor of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine.
Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton and Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, announced the appointment.
Sleckman
Sleckman is the second faculty member to hold the Conan Professorship, which was endowed by Jack Ladenson, Ph.D., the Oree M. Carroll and Lillian B. Ladenson Professor of Clinical Chemistry in Pathology and Immunology. Ladenson established the chair in part from funds earned through the development of blood tests to detect myocardial infarction, or heart attack.
“As an outstanding leader in teaching, research and administration, Barry Sleckman is a fine match for the Conan Professorship,” Shapiro said. “He is an outstanding basic scientist interested in DNA damage and repair. He’s a regular recipient of teaching awards at the School of Medicine, and his guidance helps to ensure that faculty in his division not only keep pace with the latest rapid advancements but also lead the way in developing new technologies and applying them to patient care.”
In July 2008, Sleckman became chief of the Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine in the Department of Pathology and Immunology.
“As Conan professorship donor Jack Ladenson so ably demonstrated with his work on heart attack tests, Laboratory and Genomic Medicine is one of the real foci of our efforts to translate bench results from the laboratory into new bedside diagnostics and treatments for patients,” Wrighton said. “I’m confident that Barry Sleckman will help such efforts move forward quickly and effectively as our new Conan Professor.”
Sleckman’s personal research focuses on DNA repair and the development of the early immune system. To develop properly, immune system cells have to rearrange some of their DNA. If these carefully regulated processes go awry, immune deficiency or cancer can result.
“Barry’s research is helping us to understand basic processes that establish the diversity and effectiveness of the immune system. His studies have implications that extend well beyond the immune system into understanding fundamental aspects of gene regulation and mechanisms of cancer induction,” said Herbert W. Virgin, M.D., Ph.D., the Edward Mallinckrodt Professor and chair of Pathology and Immunology. “Quite simply, he is a fantastic leader with vision and enthusiasm that will improve the department, the School of Medicine and the University. His commitment to the training of students and residents also stands out as a true strength.”