Lawrence Wechsler, MD, a leader in the field of vascular neurology, has been named chair of Neurology at PAH. Wechsler joins Penn from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where he served as chair of Neurology, founding director of the UPMC Stroke Institute, and vice president for Telemedicine. His research is centered on telemedicine, call therapy for stroke, and acute stroke clinical trials. In this role, he will oversee all inpatient and outpatient neurological services at the hospital and aims to expand the organization’s teleneurology programs.
“With patient care at our core, coupled with Dr. Wechsler’s innovative research in neurology and telemedicine, we’re excited for what his leadership will bring,” said CEO Theresa Larivee. “We have recently expanded our neurosciences-related services, and having Lawrence at the helm of the Neurology team will allow us to continue expanding and augmenting the care we provide.”
Franz Fogt, MD, has been appointed chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine following the retirement of John S. Brooks, MD (see below). Fogt, who specializes in gastrointestinal and ophthalmic pathology (as well as karate and sabre fencing in his off hours), comes to Pennsy after more than 20 years at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. As Penn’s pathology department shifts away from a generalist approach and toward specialists diagnosing cases within their area, Fogt is determined to strengthen the ties between the downtown hospitals by reevaluating the logistics of specimen handling and utilizing digital pathology to more easily foster case sharing.
“Pathologists are positioned at the beginning of the care continuum, standing between the patient and the treating physicians. That is not an easy position, but the patients are why we are here, and we strive to provide the most accurate diagnoses and best lab services,” Fogt said. “This role gives me a new exciting direction with a larger staff, and, at the same time, the chance to continue shaping the future of the department.”
PAH will soon be saying a bittersweet goodbye to John S. J. Brooks, MD, as he transitions to a well-deserved retirement in June. Brooks, who has consistently ranked among Philadelphia’s and America’s “Top Docs” and established himself as a leader in graduate medical education, has served as chair of Pathology and director for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine since 2004. A rigorous researcher, Brooks published numerous papers in premier medical journals, including work related to the use of immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic tool for sarcoma and soft tissue tumors.
“Dr. Brooks was an incredible Sherlock Holmes of pathology — truly relentless in his pursuit of the correct diagnosis and persistent until all avenues of investigation were exhausted. He will be remembered for the unique skill set he brought to the microscope,” said Michael Husson, MD, vice chair of Pathology. “He also shared a great appreciation of the people in the department. His hospital family will miss him, and we wish him well in his retirement!”