Paul N. Staats Appointed Chair of Pathology at University of Maryland School of Medicine

On September 29, Paul N. Staats, MD, a distinguished expert in the fields of cytopathology and gynecologic pathology, was appointed as the Chair of the Department of Pathology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). This significant appointment marks a critical step forward for both the department and the wider University system.

Dr. Staats has been part of the UMSOM faculty since 2009, starting as an Assistant Professor of Pathology. Over the years, he has taken on various leadership roles, including serving as the Interim Chair of Pathology since February 2024, when Sanford A. Stass, MD, stepped down after a long tenure. In his new role as Chair, Dr. Staats will supervise a department comprising 35 faculty members, 16 residents, and three fellows. This team provides vital clinical services to institutions including the University of Maryland Medical Center, the UM Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute, the UM Shore Regional Health, and the UM St Joseph Medical Center.

In addition to his role at UMSOM, Dr. Staats will also hold the positions of Chief of the Pathology Service at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). This entails coordinating pathology services across 12 hospitals and over 150 clinical locations in Maryland.

A Vision for Progress
Dr. Staats is recognized for his commitment to modernizing clinical and anatomical pathology operations within the department. He has successfully led numerous projects aimed at improving both efficiency and the quality of diagnostic practices. This includes integrating services across hospital campuses and enhancing electronic medical records systems across the UMMS hospitals. His efforts have proven instrumental in solidifying the department's financial stability.

Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of UMSOM, commended Dr. Staats for his dedication and innovative approach, stating, "His focus on improving diagnostic practice and translating innovation to ensure excellence in patient care makes Dr. Staats uniquely suited to move the Department of Pathology forward."

Leadership in Research and Education
Dr. Staats is a well-published scholar with a record of 56 peer-reviewed publications and 12 book chapters, primarily focusing on refining diagnostic practices in pathology. His research interests include improving criteria for malignancy categorization and enhancing laboratory quality. He also serves within the Hormone Responsive Cancers Program at the University of Maryland Cancer Center, collaborating on groundbreaking research in breast and gynecologic cancers.

As a respected educator, Dr. Staats has received multiple accolades, including the Harlan I. Firminger, M.D. Faculty Teaching Prize in Pathology in both 2014 and 2019, and the prestigious Margaret Grimes Distinguished Achievement Award in Graduate Medical Education in 2024.

Commitment to Community and Excellence
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Staats expressed his gratitude towards the faculty mentorship and supportive environment he has experienced. He stated, "I am honored to have the opportunity in these roles to give back to the Department, the School, the Medical System, and the communities we serve. I am excited to lead the Department of Pathology forward to greater excellence across all aspects of our academic mission."

Dr. Staats's appointment comes at a pivotal time for UMSOM and UMMS, aligning with the rapid advancements in the medical field, particularly in diagnostic services and the integration of laboratory practices. Moving forward, he is enthusiastic about fostering collaboration across the various disciplines within the University and strengthening partnerships that enhance patient care.

About the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Founded in 1807, the University of Maryland School of Medicine is celebrated as the first public medical school in the United States. With a robust operating budget of $1.3 billion and nearly $500 million in research funding, it continues to thrive as a leader in biomedical research and medical education, contributing significantly to public health initiatives and pioneering advancements in patient care.