Dr. Flack also is named interim chair of medicine
Donald W. Weaver, M.D., has been named chairman, department of surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, pending formal approval by the WSU Board of Governors. Dr. Weaver has also been appointed surgeon-in-chief of the Detroit Medical Center . The joint appointment was announced by WSU School of Medicine Dean Robert R. Frank, M.D., and DMC President and CEO Mike Duggan.
Dr. Weaver will succeed David Fromm, M.D., who retired as chairman and chief of surgery last June after 17 years in the role.
Dr. Weaver is board-certified in general surgery and serves as chief of oncology and general surgery at Harper University Hospital . A professor of surgery, he served as vice chairman of the department before being named as interim chairman during the national search for a permanent department head.
"I am delighted that our search brought us back to the experience and expertise of Don Weaver," said Dr. Frank. "His demonstrated leadership within the department and his solid academic credentials will provide the strength to guide surgery into a nationally ranked center for research and clinical care."
"Dr. Weaver has been a critical leader in the rebuilding and strengthening of the Detroit Medical Center 's surgery areas. He has helped us recruit and retain many of the best physicians in the state and we look forward to his new leadership role," said Mike Duggan.
Dr. Weaver received his undergraduate degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., and his medical degree from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif. He completed his residency training at Wayne State University and was subsequently named to the faculty. He is extensively published in the academic and research literature and is a frequent lecturer at national and international conferences and meetings.
In related news, Dean Frank also appointed John M. Flack, M.D., M.P.H., as interim chair in the Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Flack, a professor of internal medicine, previously served as associate chairman for academic affairs and chief quality officer for the department.
Dr. Flack is director of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Clinical Applications Program and principal investigator for the WSU Center for Urban and African-American Health. A specialist in clinical hypertension, Dr. Flack also holds an appointment in the Department of Community Medicine.
His research interest includes clinical trial design, implementation and monitoring hypertension in African Americans and utilization of software-based approaches to support optimal clinical decision-making.
"Please join me in providing your congratulations and support to Drs. Weaver and Flack," Dean Frank said.