Talmage Egan, M.D., a 22-year faculty member in the Department of Anesthesiology, has accepted the position of chair of the department, effective July 1.
"Dr. Egan has shown exceptional skills as a physician, researcher and administrator," said Vivian Lee, senior vice president for University health sciences. "He brings outstanding vision and goals for the department."
Those goals include becoming one of the top 25 anesthesiology departments in National Institutes of Health funding in five to 10 years, advancing quality of safety of perioperative care at University Hospital, excelling in ready access to high-value, safe, patient-centered care and fostering a respectful learning and teaching environment for the next generation of anesthesiologists.
Most recently, Egan served as the department's vice chair of research. He takes over for Michael Cahalan, M.D. who held the post for 14 years.
"Dr. Cahalan has put the department in a very strong position for building the future," Egan said. "With so many bright talented people contributing, there are many opportunities to push the department to new heights. Our department has a strong history of innovation, having played key roles in commercialization of numerous drugs and medical devices. I'd like to see us further strengthen our reputation as one of the most innovative anesthesiology departments in the world."