State of the School Address
Presented by Allison Brashear, MD, MBA Vice President for Health Sciences Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Jacobs
School: Transforming the Health of WNY with the Community 2024
Greetings friends and colleagues!
The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is proud to be a cornerstone of Western New York’s health care community. As we look back on another year of innovation and impact, we are grateful for the support of our faculty, staff, residents, students, donors, alumni and community partners. Together, we have made significant strides in advancing health care and transforming the lives of countless individuals.
During my third annual State of the School Address this fall, I was honored that they joined me to celebrate our numerous achievements from the past year.
The Jacobs School is thriving, welcoming new researchers and training the next generation of clinicians. Our collaboration with health care partners allows us to harness our collective strengths and expertise, making a significant impact on the well-being of our community.
This report highlights our unwavering commitment to community health, driven by the four pillars of our strategic plan: education, research excellence, clinical care, and diversity and community engagement. I am excited about the future of the Jacobs School and the continued contributions of our trainees, educators, scientists, clinicians, patients, and the broader community.
Sincerely,
Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Vice President for Health Sciences
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences President and CEO of UBMD Physicians’ Group
UB’s Historic Hiring Initiative
New Talent Energizing Our Expanding Research and Clinical Teams
SINCE JULY 2023, WE’VE WELCOMED OVER 135 NEW FACULTY MEMBERS
We’re excited to continue expanding our talented team and driving innovation in health care.
Four New Visionary Department Chairs
We are excited to welcome our four new department chairs, who are passionate about advancing health care through innovative research and patientcentered care. Their leadership will undoubtedly elevate our school, fostering groundbreaking discoveries and improving the health of our community.
Leonard E. Egede, MD, MS
Charles and Mary Bauer Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine
President and CEO of UBMD Internal Medicine of the UBMD Physicians’ Group
Brian M. Parker, MD
Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology
Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Chief Medical Officer for UBMD Physicians’ Group
Benny L. Joyner, Jr., MD, MPH
A. Conger Goodyear Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics
President and CEO of UBMD Pediatrics of the UBMD Physicians’ Group
Daniel Woo, MD
Irvin and Rosemary Smith Endowed Chair of the Department of Neurology
President and CEO of UBMD Neurology of the UBMD Physicians’ Group
Exciting Developments in Leadership
Our new associate and assistant deans bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our school. These talented individuals will play a crucial role in shaping the future of medical education, research and patient care. We are confident that their leadership will inspire our faculty and students to achieve new heights and make a significant impact on the field of medicine.
Gustavo A. Arrizabalaga, PhD
• Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Jennifer A. Surtees, PhD
• Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and STEM Outreach
• Professor of Biochemistry
Robert F. McCormack, MD
• Associate Dean for Ambulatory Strategy
• Professor and Chair of Emergency Medicine
• Interim Executive Director of UBMD
Kara M. Kelly, MD ’89
“We all bring some talents and strengths, but when we combine all of our strengths in academic medicine, we can truly make a difference in impacting the health of the community.”
• Associate Dean for Pediatric Translational and Population Health Research
• Professor; Division Chief, Hematology/Oncology
• Department of Pediatrics
Leslie J. Bisson, MD
• Associate Dean of Clinical Transformation
• June A. and Eugene R. Mindell, MD, Professor and Chair Department of Orthopaedics
Alysia V. Kwiatkowski, DO, MS
• Assistant Dean for Medical Curriculum
• Assistant Professor of Medicine
Arrizabalaga
McCormack
Surtees
Kelly
Bisson
Kwiatkowski
Education Overview
Committed to Education Across the Continuum
At the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, our commitment encompasses undergraduates, medical school and PhD students, fellows and residents, ensuring that learners at every stage receive the support and inspiration they need to succeed.
We actively engage with and teach students at every educational level. Whether they are pursuing medical school or exploring other opportunities within our exceptional health sciences schools at the University at Buffalo, we strive to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment.
Our efforts begin with young learners, from kindergarten through twelfth grade, introducing them to the wonders of science and medicine through various STEM outreach programs.
By attracting new talent and reinforcing our commitment to the community, we uphold our core values and ensure a continuous influx of skilled professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes.
Through these initiatives, the Jacobs School not only educates but also inspires the next generation of health care leaders, fostering a lifelong commitment to learning and community service.
Jacobs School Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion
The Jacobs School proudly enrolls a significant number of students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine, as well as many first-generation college students.
The number of students from diverse backgrounds in medicine has significantly increased over time, thanks to the tireless efforts of our admissions programs and our strong connections with UB and other regional colleges. This commitment is a hallmark of the university, and the Jacobs School is particularly renowned for it.
In the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, the Jacobs School is tied for
18TH
among the most diverse public medical schools in the country. Its overall ranking among all schools is
28TH
New Curriculum Prepares Students for the Evolving Medical Landscape
The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences recently launched its innovative Well Beyond curriculum for the new class of medical students in July. This significant initiative, led by Lisa Jane Jacobsen, MD; Alan J. Lesse, MD; and Jennifer A. Meka, PhD, represents a massive collaborative effort. This curriculum sets the stage for training the next generation of physicians, enhancing the training and retention of doctors in Buffalo and reinforcing the school’s commitment to excellence in medical education.
To learn more about the new Well Beyond curriculum, scan here.
Class of 2024 Grads
Medical School
FIRST-YEAR
STATE
JACOBS SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN AMSNY’S
INCEPTION IN
Graduate Medical Education
810+
RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS
43
JACOBS SCHOOL 2024 MEDICAL STUDENT GRADS REMAINED IN BUFFALO FOR ADVANCED TRAINING UB IS IN THE TOP 10% OF ACGME BASED UPON THE NUMBER OF TRAINEES
Biomedical Sciences
394
FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS UP 12%
56
NEW TRANSFER UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS UP 40% 4th
LARGEST UB INCOMING FRESHMEN CLASS 4th
LARGEST UNDERGRADUATE CLASS AT UB 54
AFTER COMPLETING THEIR TRAINING, 53%
OF NEW PHYSICIANS PLANNED TO PRACTICE IN NYS, WHILE 91%
PLANNED TO STAY IN THE SAME REGION WHERE THEY TRAINED.
NEW STUDENTS ENTERING MASTER’S PROGRAM 2 FROM ROSWELL PARK’S PROGRAMS 26
STUDENTS ENTERING PHDS 12 FROM ROSWELL PARK’S PROGRAMS
Research Overview
Jacobs School Makes Strides in Cutting-Edge Research
The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is making significant strides in research, particularly in areas like healthy aging, addiction, neuroscience and immunology. This commitment to innovation is evident in several recent developments in the past year.
A Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation
We are creating a sustainable research ecosystem by establishing a regular cadence of symposiums, seed funding opportunities, and follow-up symposiums. This fosters innovation and collaboration. Additionally, by inviting industry leaders to speak at our symposiums, we are bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and encouraging the translation of research findings into real-world applications.
Past symposiums have featured experts such as David Rhew, MD, global chief medical officer for Microsoft; Maryellen Giger, PhD, A.N. Pritzker Distinguished Service Professor of Radiology at the University of Chicago; and Greg Olsen, MSW, the acting director of the New York State Office for the Aging, highlighting the diverse range of topics that contribute to our vibrant research community.
AI-Driven Research
Harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize health care, UB and the Jacobs School are committed to improving patient outcomes and driving medical discovery.
A key driver of this AI revolution is the Empire AI consortium, a public-private partnership based at UB aimed at putting New York State at the forefront of responsible artificial intelligence innovation. The center’s goal is to accelerate research and innovation in AI while driving sustained economic impact across the state.
To advance AI research in health care, UB recently issued a call for proposals, awarding $50,000 each to four researchers from the Jacobs School, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences to fund AI-driven health research projects.
Healthy Aging Initiatives
Several Jacobs School faculty members have been awarded seed funding to support innovative research projects addressing a wide range of age-related issues. Among the five funded projects, totaling $250,000, is a focus on practical interventions such as home-based care for minority adults.
Major Research Awards:
The Jacobs School is a powerhouse of research at UB, with researchers securing major research awards. The school plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and discovery across a wide range of fields.
Research highlights:
$17.2M IN NEW NIH FUNDING BROUGHT BY 12 NEW RESEARCH FACULTY
7 INVESTIGATORS RECEIVED AWARDS GREATER THAN $3 MILLION EACH
32% OF ALL RESEARCH PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO UB ORIGINATING FROM THE JACOBS SCHOOL
56% OF ALL RESEARCH PROPOSALS CAME FROM UB’S HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOOLS
14% RESEARCH FUNDING SURGED
$77+M INVESTED IN RESEARCH LAST YEAR
Clinical Overview
Strengthening Clinical Partnerships
UBMD Recognized for Excellence
UBMD Physicians’ Group, the medical school’s practice plan, has been honored by Buffalo Business First as the region’s 2024 Top Health Care Company. As the largest multispecialty group in Western New York, UBMD’s 631 providers, who also serve as faculty, are dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care throughout the community. When you visit any of our hospital partners, you are likely to encounter a UB physician.
UBMD is the Largest Multispecialty Group in WNY UBMD’s Impact on the Region
2,000+
496,000+
1,000,000+
92 SPECIALTIES/SUBSPECIALTIES
Building a Stronger Health Care Future: Cultivating the Next Generation of Primary Care Physicians
The Jacobs School is committed to addressing the critical shortage of primary care physicians in Western New York. Through initiatives like the WNY Scholarship Fund - The Buffalo Initiative, we are providing essential financial support to aspiring primary care physicians.
By investing in the education of talented individuals such as Jessica Grace Flores ’24 and Paige Leona Guy ’24, we are empowering the next generation of health care leaders. These scholarship recipients, along with many others, are dedicated to serving underserved communities and improving the health and well-being of all Western New Yorkers.
“All patients need a quarterback—a primary care physician to guide them through their health care journey.”
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Overview
Working to Build a More Equitable Community
The Jacobs School is dedicated to fostering a more equitable community through key initiatives like the Igniting Hope Conference, the Department of Surgery’s Beyond the Knife endowed lecture series, the establishment of UB’s Community Health Equity Research Institute, and the recent partnership to create the Erie County Office of Health Equity.
One of the most recent developments in this area is UB being awarded a highly competitive $3.6 million grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to train early-career faculty members to address health inequities in Western New York.
We are grateful for the continued dedication of chairs and other leaders who are championing diversity initiatives at the Jacobs School. Their efforts to diversify our faculty are invaluable.
Remembering and Responding: A Conference on Gun Violence
In the wake of the tragic shootings at Tops Friendly Market and Michigan State University, the University at Buffalo will host the second annual Remembrance Conference on June 6-8, 2025. This important event aims to honor the victims, support survivors, and address gun violence as a critical public health issue. By bringing together leaders from various medical schools, the conference will foster collaboration and explore innovative solutions to prevent future tragedies.
“It is designed to call out gun violence as a public health issue and educate our teams around what they can do to impact the epidemic of gun violence.”
Leading In Research and We Are Leading in Philanthropic Contributions
Art Bridging Communities
The Jacobs School has been enriched by the generous donations of two pieces of art this past year. The vibrant “Celebration of Diversity Mural,” funded by Raul Vazquez, MD ‘89, and Toni Gaiter-Vazquez, EdD, and brought to life by artist Julia Bottoms, was unveiled in February 2024. This colorful piece celebrates the diversity of our community and the power of human connection.
In July 2024, we unveiled “Healing Hands”, funded by longtime supporters Grant Golden and Deborah Goldman, and created by artist Judy Bowman. This poignant piece symbolizes the compassionate care provided by our health care professionals.
These beautiful works of art not only enhance our campus but also inspire and uplift our students, faculty, and staff. We are grateful to our donors for their generosity and commitment to the arts.
DoctHERS Symposium: Advancing Women in Health Care
UB’s DoctHERS network is a powerful force driving change in the medical and scientific fields. This dynamic community of female physicians, scientists, faculty, health care professionals, residents and students is dedicated to addressing critical issues and fostering advancement, mentorship, and equal opportunities for future generations of women.
Through initiatives like the DoctHERS Symposium, such as the Spring 2024 event “Advancing Women in STEM” featuring Julie Silver, MD, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and the Fall 2024 event “Women Healing the Nation: Making an Impact in Health Care and the Media” with Donnica Moore, MD ’86, a SUNY honorary degree holder and women’s health expert, the network inspires and empowers women to reach their full potential.
The Power of Philanthropic Investments
We are deeply grateful for our donors.
Thanks to their generosity, we raised $26 million in fiscal year 2024 from over 2,000 donors. Their support has been pivotal in advancing our mission and fostering the next generation of medical professionals.
Through the Boldly Buffalo campaign, we have collectively raised $1.3 billion, with significant contributions from the Jacobs School. This achievement highlights our commitment to excellence in education, research, and community health.
Their contributions have also enabled the establishment of new scholarship funds, which will support students pursuing careers in mental health and those demonstrating financial need.
Newly Established Scholarship Funds
Patrick P. Lee Foundation Psychiatry Scholarship
Amount: $870,000
Purpose: Supports students pursuing careers in mental health, addressing the critical shortage of mental health professionals.
W. Seichi and Michael Nakao Medical Student Scholarship
Amount: $500,000
Purpose: Supports an incoming medical student who demonstrates financial need.
Additional Scholarships
Amount: Two scholarships of $250,000+ each
Funding Source: Bequests
Their support is more than just a donation; it is an investment in the future of health care and the well-being of our community. Together, we are making a profound difference.
“We are leading in research and we are leading in philanthropic contributions. We are here to use all the tools available to transform the health of WNY. We are a medical school and that is what medical schools do — they improve health.”
OUR MISSION
To transform the health of the community and the world by advancing the Jacobs School into the nation’s Top 25 public schools of medicine. We achieve this through pioneering research innovation, excellence in clinical care and a commitment to inclusion in medical education, thereby expanding our global reach and impact.
Watch the 55-minute video of Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, vice president for Health Sciences at the University at Buffalo, and dean of Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, as she delivers the 2024 State of the School Address.
https://bit.ly/495td4C
955 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14203-1121
Office of the Dean of Medicine
medicine.buffalo.edu