Two New Department Chairs Named

Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, Orthopaedic Surgery gain new leadership

The U-M Medical School recently selected two of its own to lead departments within the Medical School. Pediatric oncologist Valerie Castle, M.D., associate provost for academic and faculty affairs, was named chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and the first David Murray Cowie Professor of Pediatrics, effective September 1. On October 17, James Carpenter (M.D. 1984), associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, associate director of MedSport, and director of surgical services for the U-M Athletic Department, became chair of the Medical School's new Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the first Harold W. and Helen L. Gehring Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Valerie Castle   James Carpenter Photo: Martin Vloet

"Dr. Castle was clearly the most outstanding candidate. Her leadership will support the department's continued advancements in clinical care, research and education," says Allen S. Lichter, M.D., dean of the Medical School and the Newman Family Professor of Radiation Oncology.

Born in Canada, Castle received her medical degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, where she completed her pediatric residency. Castle joined the U-M faculty in 1990 after completing a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at the U-M Medical School. Castle's research focuses on a pediatric solid tumor called neuroblastoma.

Regarding Orthopaedic Surgery, Lichter is "pleased that Dr. Carpenter has accepted the offer to chair one of our newest departments. He is committed to expanding services for our patients, supporting pioneering research in orthopaedic medicine, and attracting the best and brightest students for a world-class education. His leadership will be invaluable as the department enters an important period of growth."

Carpenter joined the University of Michigan Medical School faculty in 1990. He specializes in shoulder, knee and arthroscopic surgery, as well as sports medicine. Carpenter was born in Ann Arbor and is a third-generation graduate of the U-M Medical School. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where he also held a research fellowship in orthopaedic biomechanics.

-MBR