Khalifa and Thyagarajan named LMP Vice Chairs

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology announces the appointment of professors Mahmoud Khalifa as Vice Chair of Anatomic Pathology and Bharat Thyagarajan as Vice Chair of Translational Research effective July 1.

In this capacity, Khalifa and Thyagarajan join Anthony Killeen, LMP Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, and Kristin Hogquist, LMP Vice Chair for Research.

Among Khalifa's responsibilities as Vice Chair of Anatomic Pathology are to provide strategic vision and leadership for all AP sections, oversee AP quality initiatives, and lead the enhancement of AP services at UMMC-East, UMMC-West, Masonic Children’s Hospital and the Clinics and Surgery Center (CSC).

Khalifa will lead innovation and encourage active participation in continuous improvement activities across AP operations and expand research and education with cutting-edge digital pathology.

Thyagarajan's responsibilities as Vice Chair of Translational Research include developing, implementing, and maintaining a long-term strategic direction for the clinical and translational research programs in the department with input and collaboration from the LMP Vice Chair for Research, LMP faculty, and LMP head Leo Furcht.

Thyagarajan is tasked with spurring collaboration with members of the department, Medical School, University, campus units and other partners to help create a sustainable, top-ten research enterprise as measured by NIH funding.

In addition, he will be responsible for recommending investments in equipment and instrumentation; working with faculty to submit large program project and center grants; and promoting the recruitment and retention of research faculty.