Roberto Machado Appointed Chair of Medicine at University of Maryland School of Medicine

In a significant development for the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), Dr. Roberto Machado, a distinguished physician-scientist and an acclaimed expert in pulmonology, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Department of Medicine. Mark T. Gladwin, MD, the Dean of UMSOM, announced the decision on July 23, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the institution as it gears up for Dr. Machado's leadership.

Dr. Machado comes to UMSOM from Indiana University School of Medicine, where he has excelled as the Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine. His experience includes a significant research portfolio, having garnered over $20.5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his groundbreaking studies related to pulmonary hypertension and the respiratory complications associated with sickle cell disease. His research has improved the understanding of pulmonary hypertension as a critical risk factor for mortality in patients suffering from sickle cell disease, alongside exploring the role of sphingolipid metabolic pathways in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

As he prepares to take on his new role in November, Dr. Machado will also be honored as the Theodore E. Woodward Chair of Medicine. This appointment is set against the backdrop of a comprehensive expansion led by his predecessor, Dr. Stephen Davis, who served as Chair since 2009. Under Dr. Davis’s tenure, the Department of Medicine expanded significantly, with increased extramural funding reaching above $175 million annually. Dr. Machado's predecessor will transition to a Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Partnerships, ensuring leadership continuity during this transition period.

Dean Gladwin praised Dr. Machado's unique blend of scientific insight and clinical leadership, emphasizing that his skills will be crucial to enhancing the department’s research initiatives and clinical excellence. The appointment of Dr. Machado aligns with UMSOM’s mission to elevate its impact on healthcare training and innovation.

Dr. Machado's achievements as a researcher are notable. He has published over 170 peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals. His diverse research interests cover a variety of topics, including the effectiveness of sildenafil therapy in patients afflicted with sickle cell disease and pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary complications from methamphetamine use, and the potential of exhaled breath analysis as a diagnostic biomarker for chronic lung disease. His impressive h-index of 51 illustrates the significant impact of his work, marking him as a leader in his field.

In his new role, Dr. Machado will continue his rigorous investigations into pulmonary hypertension, focusing on the development of innovative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers with the aid of cutting-edge genetic and bioinformatics tools. His lab aims to uncover vital insights that will benefit patients dealing with these complex respiratory conditions. Closer collaboration with the University of Maryland Medical Center is also anticipated as he assumes leadership, enhancing efforts to train the next generation of world-class clinicians.

Beyond his research endeavors, Dr. Machado is dedicated to mentorship and education. He has fostered the development of over 20 post-doctoral trainees and leads multiple training grants designed to boost medical student involvement in biomedical research. His commitment to nurturing future clinicians has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Bench to Bedside Award from the NIH.

With his global perspective shaped by training in Brazil and extensive clinical experience at institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and NIH, Dr. Machado is well-equipped to tackle the evolving challenges in medical practice and research. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the University of Maryland community, highlighting his eagerness to collaborate with talented colleagues to address contemporary health challenges.

As the University of Maryland School of Medicine welcomes Dr. Machado, it marks the beginning of a new era in academic medicine, promising advancements in research, mentorship, and exceptional clinical care, aimed at improving health outcomes for generations to come.

Topics Health)

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