Meet Our Leadership
Bob S. Carter, MD, PhD
Bob Carter serves as Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO for University of Utah Health. In his roles leading the health system, Carter works to ensure the professional and educational success of more than 27,000 talented faculty, staff, and students who make U of U Health one of the nation’s premier academic health centers.
Prior to joining the University of Utah in 2025, he served as the William and Elizabeth Sweet Endowed Professor in Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School and Neurosurgeon-In-Chief at Mass General Brigham, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
A neurosurgical oncologist and prolific researcher, Carter was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2024. He is widely recognized for his contributions to brain tumor genetics, gene and cell therapy for neurological disorders, and the development of liquid biopsy techniques for glioblastoma.
Carter has published over 220 original research articles and holds multiple patents for his innovative work. He received an MD and PhD in epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University and an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Brigham Young University.
Guided by a unified vision for the future and a team of dedicated leaders, University of Utah Health is becoming a more comprehensive, integrated, and high-performing academic health system.
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Chief of Staff to the CEO for U of U Health
Danielle Sample, MPH
Senior Advisor to the EVP for Health
Laura Snow
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Dean, College of Health
Kelly Tappenden, PhD, RD
Dean, College of Pharmacy
Randall Peterson, PhD
Dean, College of Nursing
Marla J. De Jong, PhD, MS, RN, FAAN
Dean, School of Dentistry
Wyatt (Rory) Hume, DDS, PhD
Dean, School of Medicine (Interim)
Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS
Executive Director, Eccles Health Sciences Library
Catherine Soehner, MLS
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System Associate Chief Clinical Officer, System Chief Medical Officer
Erica Bisson, MD, MPH
System Chief Marketing Officer
Joe Borgenicht
CEO, Huntsman Cancer Institute
Bradley Cairns, PhD
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Jerome Davies, MNO
Associate Vice President, Faculty
Angela Fagerlin, PhD
System Chief Clinical Officer
Samuel Finlayson, MD, MPH, MBA
CEO, Huntsman Mental Health Institute (Interim)
Brett Graham, MBA, MPA
System Associate Chief Operating Officer, COO Hospitals & Clinics
Gina Hawley, DrPH, MHA
System Chief Research Officer
Rachel Hess, MD, MS
Chief Innovation Officer
James Hotaling, MD, MS, FECSM
System Chief Strategy Officer
Grant Lasson, MBA
Associate Vice President, Wellness
Amy Locke, MD, FAAFP
System Chief Operating Officer, CEO Hospitals & Clinics
Dan Lundergan, MHA
System Chief Nursing Executive
Tracey Nixon, MSN, RN
System Chief Digital Information Officer
Donna Roach, MS, CHCIO, CDH-E, LFCHIME, LFHIMSS
Chief Health Policy Officer
Hailey Ritchie, JD
System Chief Analytics & Insights Officer
James Sanders, PhD
System Chief Human Resources Officer
Christian Sherwood, MA
CEO, University of Utah Health Plans
Chad Westover, MPA
System Chief Communications Officer
Kathy Wilets, MPA
Chief Compliance Officer
Brent Wilson, JD
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Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine Department Chairs
Anesthesiology
Grace Lim, MD, MSc, MBA
Biochemistry
Wesley Sundquist, PhD
Biomedical Informatics
Yves Lussier, MD
Dermatology
Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS
Family Medicine and Public Health
John Barrett, MD
Emergency Medicine
Christy L. Hopkins, MD, MBA, MPH
Human Genetics
Aaron Quinlan, PhD
Internal Medicine
John Inadomi, MD
Neurobiology
Monica Vetter, PhD
Neurology
Stefan M. Pulst, MD
Neurosurgery
William T. Couldwell, MD, PhD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robert M. Silver, MD
Occupational & Environmental Health
Jeremy Biggs, MD, MSPH
Oncological Sciences
Alana L. Welm, PhD
Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA
Orthopaedics
Darrel S. Brodke, MD
Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery
Jason P. Hunt, MD, MS
Pathology
Peter E. Jensen, MD
Pediatrics
Angelo P. Giardino, MD, MPH, PhD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
David P. Steinberg, MD
Physician Assistant Education and Sciences
Leigh Elrod, DPAS, MPAS, PA-C
Population Health Sciences
Angela Fagerlin, PhD
Psychiatry
James Ashworth, MD (Interim)
Radiation Oncology
Amit Maity, MD, PhD
Radiology & Imaging Sciences
Charles (Chuck) Ray, MD, PhD (Interim)
Surgery
Fiemu E. Nwariaku, MD, MBA
Erica Bisson, MD, MPH
System Associate Chief Clinical Officer, System Chief Medical Officer
Erica Bisson serves as system associate chief clinical officer and system chief medical officer for University of Utah Health, where she advances quality, safety, and clinical integration through a patient-centered, data-driven approach that fosters collaboration and integrity. A professor of neurosurgery and adjunct professor of orthopedics, she specializes in complex spinal disorders and is recognized nationally for defining quality care. Bisson received an MD from Tufts University School of Medicine, completed neurosurgical training at the University of Vermont, and received an MPH from the University of Utah.
Joe Borgenicht
System Chief Marketing Officer
Joe Borgenicht serves as system chief marketing officer for University of Utah Health, where he leads brand strategy, marketing, and digital initiatives across academic, research, clinical, and community missions. Since joining U of U Health in 2013, Borgenicht has launched reputation, brand, and thought leadership initiatives with international reach, including the New Narratives in Health series, rebranding U of U Health and the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, and elevating the vision of new system leaders with internal, local, and national stakeholders.
Bradley Cairns, PhD
CEO, Huntsman Cancer Institute
Bradley Cairns serves as chief executive officer for Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, where he directs scientific strategy and operations across research and clinical programs. Cairns is a pioneering molecular biologist whose research has advanced understanding of gene packaging and expression, known as epigenetics, in development and cancer. Cairns joined the university in 1998 and was named a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator in 2000. He is a fellow of both the Royal Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He received a PhD in cell biology from Stanford University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Stanford and Harvard Medical School.
Bob S. Carter, MD, PhD, FAANS
CEO, U of U Health & Executive VP for Health Sciences
Bob Carter serves as executive vice president for health sciences at the University of Utah and chief executive officer for University of Utah Health. In these roles, he supports more than 27,000 faculty, staff, and students who make U of U Health one of the nation’s leading academic health centers. Before joining the U in 2025, Carter served as the William and Elizabeth Sweet Endowed Professor in Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School and neurosurgeon-in-chief at Mass General Brigham. Carter received an MD and a PhD in epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University.
Jerome Davies, MNO
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Jerome Davies serves as chief philanthropy officer for University of Utah Health, where he leads advancement and development initiatives supporting clinical, research, and educational priorities. Davies brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience and has strengthened philanthropy partnerships that expand access to care and innovation in health sciences. He received a master’s degree in nonprofit organizations from Case Western Reserve University.
Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS
Dean, School of Medicine (Interim)
Kristina Callis Duffin serves as interim dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah and as professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology. She is an internationally recognized expert in psoriasis and has led more than 60 clinical trials and observational studies on psoriasis and other skin diseases. Callis Duffin is past vice chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board and past president of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. She received an MD from the University of Washington and an MS in clinical investigation from the University of Utah.
Angela Fagerlin, PhD
Associate Vice President, Faculty
Angela Fagerlin serves as associate vice president for faculty at University of Utah Health and as the inaugural chair of the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. She is also a research scientist at the Salt Lake City VA Informatics Center for Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences. Fagerlin’s research focuses on improving how patients understand medical information and make health decisions aligned with their values and goals. She received a PhD in experimental psychology from Kent State University.
Samuel Finlayson, MD, MPH, MBA
System Chief Clinical Officer
Sam Finlayson serves as system chief clinical officer for University of Utah Health, where he leads initiatives to advance integration, operations, and patient care across the health system. He previously served as interim dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and chair of the Department of Surgery, overseeing significant growth in research, education, and clinical programs. Finlayson received an MD from Harvard Medical School, an MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health, and an MBA from the University of Utah.
Brett Graham, MBA, MPA
CEO, Huntsman Mental Health Institute (Interim)
W. Brett Graham serves as interim chief executive officer of Huntsman Mental Health Institute. As interim CEO, he oversees clinical care, research, education, and community engagement while advancing the institute’s transformation into an integrated, value-driven organization. As chief strategy officer, he leads the university’s Impact 2030 Strategy. Graham brings extensive health care leadership experience, including roles at Leavitt Partners, Meritain Health, and UnitedHealth Group. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPA from the University of Utah.
Gina Hawley, DrPH, MHA
System Associate Chief Operating Officer, COO Hospitals & Clinics
Gina Hawley serves as system associate chief operating officer for University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, where she leads systemwide operations and drives execution of key strategic initiatives across the health system. She oversees operational performance to ensure high-quality, efficient care delivery in support of organizational goals. She continues in her role as Chief Operating Officer for University of Utah Health Hospitals & Clinics. Prior to joining U of U Health, Hawley served as vice president of Professional and Support Services at Oregon Health & Science University. She received an MHA from the University of Minnesota and a DrPH in health management and leadership from Johns Hopkins University.
Rachel Hess, MD, MS
System Chief Research Officer
Rachel Hess serves as system chief research officer for University of Utah Health, where she guides institutional research strategy and investment to connect discovery, innovation, and clinical care for greater patient and community impact. A professor of population health sciences and internal medicine, she also serves as co-director of the Utah Clinical & Translational Science Institute. Hess received an MD from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed fellowships and an MS in clinical investigation at the University of Pittsburgh.
James Hotaling, MD, MS, FECSM
Chief Innovation Officer
James Hotaling serves as inaugural chief innovation officer for University of Utah Health and associate vice president of research for innovation and translation for the University of Utah, where he advances discovery, commercialization, and partnerships that bring new technologies to patients. A professor of urology in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Hotaling directs the men’s health program, the andrology fellowship, and the surgical population analysis research core. He received an MD from Duke University, completed a six-year urology residency at the University of Washington, and a fellowship in male infertility and men’s health at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Wyatt (Rory) Hume, DDS, PhD
Dean, School of Dentistry
Rory Hume serves as dean of the school of dentistry at the University of Utah, where he guides academic programs, research, and community care initiatives. A dental clinician, researcher, and academic leader, he previously served as executive vice president and provost of the University of California system and vice president for health affairs. Hume has also held leadership positions at UCLA, the University of New South Wales, the United Arab Emirates University, and the Qatar Foundation. He received a DDS and a PhD in human physiology and pharmacology from the University of Adelaide and continues to advise on global academic leadership.
Marla J. De Jong, PhD, MS, RN, FAAN
Dean, College of Nursing
Marla De Jong serves as dean and the Louis H. Peery Presidential Endowed Chair for the College of Nursing at the University of Utah, where she leads academic programs, clinical practices, and a nationally recognized research enterprise. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel with 29 years of service, De Jong has served in leadership roles for national nursing organizations and published extensively on trauma and critical care. She received an MS in trauma, critical care, and emergency nursing from the University of Maryland and a PhD in nursing science from the University of Kentucky.
Grant Lasson, MBA
System Chief Strategy Officer
Grant Lasson serves as system chief strategy officer for University of Utah Health, where he leads strategic planning, business development, and performance management across all health sciences and health care programs. Lasson has extensive experience helping large health systems strengthen alignment between strategy and operations through data-driven planning and execution. At U of U Health, he supports institutional growth and integration efforts to advance the organization’s mission and long-term goals. He received an MBA at Brigham Young University.
Amy Locke, MD, FAAFP
Associate Vice President, Wellness
Amy Locke serves as chief wellness officer for University of Utah Health, where she leads the design and implementation of well-being programs that support patients, faculty, staff, and learners in leading healthy lives. Locke also serves as executive director of U of U Health’s Resiliency Center, professor of family and preventive medicine, and adjunct professor of nutrition and integrative physiology. She chairs the board of directors for the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health. Locke received an MD and completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Michigan.
Dan Lundergan, MHA
System Chief Operating Officer, CEO Hospitals & Clinics
Dan Lundergan serves as system chief operating officer for University of Utah Health and chief executive officer for University of Utah Health Hospitals & Clinics, where he oversees strategic, clinical, and operational priorities that advance quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. With more than four decades of service to U of U Health, Lundergan has held numerous leadership roles across surgical services, ambulatory care, and hospital operations. He plays a key role in financial planning and space development, ensuring institutional goals translate into operational success. Lundergan received an MHA from the University of Minnesota.
Tracey Nixon, MSN, RN
System Chief Nursing Executive
Tracey Nixon serves as system chief nursing executive for University of Utah Health, where she provides systemwide leadership for nursing operations and professional practice. She leads nursing strategy and standards, advances quality and safety, and ensures responsible stewardship of nursing resources. Nixon champions shared governance, workforce development, and evidence-based practice to strengthen patient-centered care across the health system. She established the capacity management team at University of Utah Hospital, implementing innovative processes to improve patient throughput and operational efficiency. Nixon received a BSN and an MSN from the University of Utah.
James Sanders, PhD
System Chief Analytics & Insights Officer
James Sanders serves as system chief analytics & insights officer for University of Utah Health, where he leads the Health System Insight Center and integrates data, analytics, and strategic intelligence to strengthen enterprise decision-making. He oversees development of a unified Health System Insight Platform that delivers timely, actionable insights to advance clinical care, operations, and growth across the academic health system. Sanders received a PhD in organizational sociology from Washington State University.
Christian Sherwood, MA
System Chief Human Resources Officer
Christian Sherwood serves as system chief human resources officer for University of Utah Health, where she leads and coordinates human resources functions across the health system. She builds a people-centered, unified workforce experience, advancing talent development, engagement, and compliance while aligning culture with U of U Health’s multi-mission objectives. Sherwood established HR’s Employee Experience to streamline systemwide interactions and leads initiatives in compensation, benefits, recruitment, retention, and communication. She received an MA in mass communications from Brigham Young University.
Brent Wilson, JD
Chief Compliance Officer
Brent Wilson serves as chief compliance officer for University of Utah Health, where he oversees the health system’s compliance program. He and his compliance team collaborate with constituents across the health system on compliance risks and provide guidance to ensure that clinical and business operations function within the parameters of government payer requirements and applicable federal and state health care laws and regulations. Brent received a JD from Willamette University College of Law and holds a Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) designation.
Donna Roach, MS, CHCIO, CDH-E, LFCHIME, LFHIMSS
System Chief Digital Information Officer
Donna Roach serves as system chief digital information officer for University of Utah Health, where she leads strategy and stewardship of the organization’s digital and information technology infrastructure. She advances a modern, secure, and integrated IT environment supporting clinical care, education, and operations across hospitals and academic programs. Roach brings more than 35 years of health care experience, including executive IT leadership roles at BJC HealthCare, Ascension, and other major systems. She received a BS in health administration from the University of Illinois and an MS in health systems management from Rush University.
Catalina Ochoa
Senior Director, Finance
Catalina Ochoa serves as senior director of finance for University of Utah Health, where she leads financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal operations to ensure long-term sustainability and stewardship. Ochoa partners with executive leadership to align financial strategy with organizational priorities and performance goals, providing oversight of analytics and resource allocation across the health system.
Charlton Park, MBA, MHSM
System Chief Financial and Analytics Officer
Charlton Park serves as system chief financial and analytics officer for University of Utah Health, where he oversees financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and data analytics functions. Park has played a pivotal role in developing integration models that align clinical and financial performance across service lines. His work emphasizes collaboration between physicians and hospital operations to strengthen quality and efficiency. Park received an MBA and an MHSM from Arizona State University.
Randall Peterson, PhD
Dean, College of Pharmacy
Randall Peterson serves as dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Utah, where he directs academic programs and research that drive innovation in pharmaceutical sciences. He also holds the L.S. Skaggs Presidential Endowed Professorship. His laboratory uses high-throughput screening technologies to identify new drug candidates for cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Before joining the University of Utah in 2017, Peterson served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and the Broad Institute. He received a PhD in biochemistry from Harvard University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Hailey Ritchie, JD
Chief Health Policy Officer
Hailey Ritchie serves as chief health policy officer for University of Utah Health, where she advises on health policy legislation and regulatory issues at the state and federal levels. She collaborates with the university’s government affairs office to shape policies that strengthen access, funding, and workforce development. Ritchie played a key role in securing protections for safety-net hospitals under the 340B Program and in obtaining state and federal support for the university’s COVID-19 response. She received a JD from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah.
Danielle Sample, MPH
Chief of Staff to the CEO for U of U Health
Danielle Sample serves as chief of staff to the chief executive officer of University of Utah Health, where she provides strategic counsel, operational integration, and delegated leadership support across U of U Health. She leads the day-to-day operations of the CEO/EVP’s office, advances system-level priorities, and translates strategic vision into coordinated, actionable plans across the enterprise. She also works closely with senior leaders to support effective decision-making, planning, and implementation.
Laura Snow
Senior Advisor to the EVP for Health
Laura Snow serves as senior advisor to the executive vice president for Health Sciences at University of Utah Health, where she provides trusted counsel, executive coordination, and institutional continuity in support of system leadership and priorities. Drawing on extensive experience advising university presidents, board chairs, and senior executives, she advances high-impact initiatives, supports executive transitions, and guides complex decision-making. Laura partners closely with main campus leaders to align strategies and strengthen university-wide priorities.
Catherine Soehner, MLS
Executive Director, Eccles Health Sciences Library
Catherine Soehner serves as director of the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library and associate dean for research at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library. She also serves as director of the Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 4 and National Training Office. She leads the delivery of a wide range of library services, including research and information services, library instruction and training for users, and support for faculty, graduate students, and other advanced users in digital scholarship efforts. Her research and professional interests include leadership, change management, and systems thinking. She received an MLS from Indiana University.
Kelly Tappenden, PhD, RD
Dean, College of Health
Kelly Tappenden serves as dean of the College of Health at the University of Utah, where she leads academic, research, and clinical programs dedicated to advancing health and rehabilitation sciences. An internationally recognized scientist, her research focuses on intestinal failure, intestinal adaptation, and patient malnutrition. Before joining the University of Utah, she was professor and head of the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago. Tappenden received a PhD in nutrition and metabolism from the University of Alberta and completed postdoctoral studies in gastrointestinal physiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Chad Westover, MPA
CEO, University of Utah Health Plans
Chad Westover serves as chief executive officer for University of Utah Health Plans, where he leads strategic growth, financial performance, and operational excellence in health insurance products and services. Westover previously served as president of Molina Healthcare of Utah and was the inaugural director of Utah’s Children’s Health Insurance Program. He also founded the National Alliance for State CHIP Directors and held leadership roles with WellPoint Inc. and in the Office of Governor Mike Leavitt. Westover received an MPA from Brigham Young University.
Kathy Wilets, MPA
System Chief Communications Officer
Kathy Wilets serves as system chief communications officer for University of Utah Health, where she leads media relations, internal communications, and strategic storytelling that highlight the institution’s mission and impact. A trusted voice in health care communications, she has guided U of U Health through major organizational milestones and complex challenges since 2008. Wilets previously held communications roles at Huntsman Cancer Institute and in broadcast journalism. She received an MPA from the University of Utah.
Jessica Williamson, SPHR, CSP
Senior Director, Human Resource Management
Jessica Williamson serves as senior director of human resource management for University of Utah Health, where she oversees workforce strategy, employee relations, and talent development. Williamson leads initiatives to support employee engagement, performance management, and leadership growth across the organization. Her work emphasizes creating an inclusive culture that fosters well-being and professional excellence.
Grace Lim, MD, MSc, MBA
Anesthesiology
Grace Lim serves as chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, & Pain Medicine in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. She leads the department’s clinical, academic, and research missions, providing strategic direction for perioperative services and advancing patient-centered clinical excellence, education, and innovation. An accomplished clinician–scientist, Lim’s research focuses on peripartum pain management and perioperative outcomes. She received an MD from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and completed residency and fellowship training at Northwestern University.
Wesley Sundquist, PhD
Biochemistry
Wesley Sundquist serves as the Samuels Professor and chair of the Department of Biochemistry in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, where he leads strategy, faculty development, and research initiatives. His research on viral budding and the ESCRT pathway led to the development of a highly effective HIV-prevention drug and earned him recognition as one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2025. Sundquist received a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and postdoctoral training at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
Yves Lussier, MD
Biomedical Informatics
Yves Lussier serves as chair of the Department of Biomedical Informatics in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he directs strategic operations in translational bioinformatics and precision medicine. As a physician-scientist and professional engineer, Lussier’s work spans systems biology, ontology-driven data representation, and high-throughput personalized medicine. He has launched companies, led international conferences, and secured large-scale grants in informatics and precision health. He received an M.D. from Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, and completed postdoctoral research at Columbia University.
Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS
Dermatology
Kristina Callis Duffin serves as chair of the Department of Dermatology and interim dean for Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where she oversees clinical care, research, education, and operational strategy for the department. Callis Duffin is an internationally recognized expert in psoriasis and has led more than 60 clinical trials and observational studies. She received an MD from the University of Washington School of Medicine, completed residencies in internal medicine at Maine Medical Center and in dermatology at the University of Utah, and received an MS in clinical investigation from the University of Utah.
John Barrett, MD
Family Medicine and Public Health
John Barrett serves as chair of the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he leads integration of community-based practices, expands clinical reach, and advances population health training and research. Barrett is a board-certified family medicine physician with over 30 years of experience working in rural and underserved settings. In his previous role as executive medical director of the Community Physician Group, he guided care for 500,000 patients annually and launched virtual urgent care platforms. He received an MD from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed residency training at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Christy L. Hopkins, MD, MBA, MPH
Emergency Medicine
Christy Hopkins serves as chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where she oversees clinical operations at three sites, graduate medical education, and expansion of research and quality programs. Hopkins is a seasoned emergency physician and leader who guided the evolution of the department from a division to full departmental status. Her strategic focus emphasizes team building, innovation, and care for time-sensitive conditions across the Mountain West region. She received an MD at the University of Utah, completed residency at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, and received an MPH and an MBA at the University of Utah.
Aaron Quinlan, PhD
Human Genetics
Aaron Quinlan serves as chair of the Department of Human Genetics in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he oversees faculty development, strategic research initiatives, and integration of genomics into clinical care. Quinlan is a pioneer in computational genomics; his laboratory develops widely used software and algorithms to interpret human genome variation in health and disease. He received a PhD in population genetics from Boston College and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in structural genome variation at the University of Virginia.
John Inadomi, MD
Internal Medicine
John Inadomi serves as the Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Chair and chair of the Department of Internal Medicine in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he oversees 12 clinical divisions and the department’s research, education, and patient-care missions. His previous leadership roles include division head of gastroenterology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and presidency of the American Gastroenterological Association. His research focuses on comparative effectiveness in gastrointestinal cancer prevention and screening. Inadomi an MD from the University of California, San Francisco, where he also completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology.
Monica Vetter, PhD
Neurobiology
Monica Vetter serves as chair of the Department of Neurobiology in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where she oversees the department’s research, faculty development, and training programs in neural systems. Vetter is an accomplished neuroscientist who leads a laboratory that investigates molecular and epigenetic regulation of retinal development and degeneration, with a particular focus on microglial dynamics in glaucoma and strategies to prevent vision loss. She received a PhD in neuroscience from the University of California, San Francisco.
Stefan M. Pulst, MD
Neurology
Stefan Pulst serves as chair of the Department of Neurology in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he directs clinical programs and advances research in inherited nervous-system disorders, especially spinocerebellar ataxias and Parkinson’s disease. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Utah, he was professor of medicine, neurology, and neurobiology at the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles. Pulst received an MD from Medizinische Hochschule Hannover in Germany, continued medical training at Harvard Medical School, and completed neurology residency through the Longwood Neurology Program at Harvard.
William T. Couldwell, MD, PhD
Neurosurgery
William Couldwell serves as chair of the Department of Neurosurgery in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he leads the department’s clinical, research, and education missions in skull-base, vascular, and neuro-oncological surgery. His prolific publication record and global leadership in neurosurgery underpin his role in advancing the department’s world-class stature. Couldwell received an MD and a PhD in neuroimmunology/molecular biology from McGill University, and completed an internship in general surgery and a neurosurgical residency at University of Southern California.
Robert M. Silver, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robert Silver serves as chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he leads clinical, research, and educational efforts across the full spectrum of women’s health and high-risk pregnancy care. Silver’s research focuses on stillbirth, recurrent pregnancy loss, placenta accreta spectrum, and maternal immunologic disorders in pregnancy. He received an MD from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and completed an internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado and a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Utah.
Jeremy Biggs, MD, MSPH
Occupational & Environmental Health
Jeremy Biggs serves as chief of the Division of Occupational & Environmental Health in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. Biggs directs programs focused on workplace safety, environmental exposure, and injury prevention, while maintaining an active clinical practice in occupational medicine. He leads interdisciplinary research on air quality, mining health, and community resilience. He received an MD from the University of Utah and completed a residency in occupational and environmental medicine at the same institution.
Alana L. Welm, PhD
Oncological Sciences
Alana Welm serves as chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where she leads the department’s research strategy, faculty development, and translational science agenda. Welm also holds the Ralph E. and William T. Main Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. Her lab focuses on the mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis and the development of patient-derived models for precision medicine. She received a PhD in cell and molecular biology from Baylor College of Medicine and conducted postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco.
Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA
Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Jeff Pettey serves as chair of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he leads clinical, educational, research, and global-outreach missions in ophthalmology and cataract surgery. His work includes leading the Olson-Pettey Cataract Research Laboratory and founding the international Global Ophthalmology Summit. Pettey received an MD from the Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his internship, ophthalmology residency, and anterior-segment fellowship at the John A. Moran Eye Center and received an Executive MBA from the University of Utah.
Darrel S. Brodke, MD
Orthopaedics
Darrel Brodke serves as chair of the Department of Orthopaedics in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he leads a multidisciplinary team advancing surgical and non-surgical care for spinal disorders while guiding strategic research and clinical programs. His research emphasizes spinal biomechanics, deformity surgery, and patient-reported outcomes to improve function and quality of life. Brodke received an MD from the University of California, San Francisco, and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin and a fellowship in spine surgery at the University of Washington, Seattle.
Jason P. Hunt, MD, MS
Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery
Jason Hunt serves as inaugural chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he leads the department’s evolution into a stand-alone unit and drives growth in faculty, research, and clinical volume. Hunt received an MS in polymer and textile chemistry at Georgia Institute of Technology, an MD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, followed by an internship and residency in otolaryngology at Louisiana State University, and a fellowship in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Peter E. Jensen, MD
Pathology
Peter Jensen serves as chair of the Department of Pathology in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, where he also holds the ARUP Presidential Endowed Chair and leads the board of ARUP Laboratories. He joined the University of Utah faculty in 2004 and focuses his work on precision diagnostics, health care transformation, and antigen-presentation research. Jensen received an MD from Vanderbilt University and completed residency training in anatomic pathology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University.
Angelo P. Giardino, MD, MPH, PhD
Pediatrics
Angelo Giardino serves as chair of the Department of Pediatrics in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he also holds the Wilma T. Gibson Presidential Professorship. He also serves as chief medical officer and regional medical officer for Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. His work focuses on child neglect and abuse prevention, quality improvement in pediatric care, and advocacy for children’s health. Giardino received an MD and EdD from the University of Pennsylvania, completed residency and fellowship in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and received an MPH from the University of Massachusetts.
David P. Steinberg, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
David Steinberg serves as chair of the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah and executive medical director of the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. His clinical and leadership focus includes neurorehabilitation, pain management, evidence-based quality improvement, and operational performance. Steinberg received an MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, completed internship and residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University/Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and received a Master of Medical Management at Carnegie Mellon University.
Leigh Elrod, DPAS, MPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant Education and Sciences
Leigh Elrod is the inaugural Don Pederson Endowed chair for the Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where she leads innovative and inclusive education, clinical care, leadership, scholarship, and health promotion and advocacy. A family medicine provider at the South Main Clinic, Elrod also serves as medical director for the clinic’s family medicine service. Her work emphasizes care for underserved populations and advancing interprofessional education. She received a Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and an MPAS from the University of Utah School of Medicine.
James Ashworth, MD
Psychiatry
James Ashworth serves as interim chair of the Department of Psychiatry in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he provides leadership across clinical services, education, and system-wide innovation in mental health care. Ashworth is board-certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. His work emphasizes expanding access and integrating mental health into primary care. Ashworth received an MD from the University of Utah School of Medicine and completed an adult psychiatry residency at USAF Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Utah.
Amit Maity, MD, PhD
Radiation Oncology
Amit Maity serves as chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he also holds the Huntsman Cancer Institute Endowed Chair in Cancer Research and leads the department’s clinical, educational, and research missions. His research focuses on improving radiation therapy through novel therapeutics, hypofractionation, and combining radiation with immunotherapy. Maity received an MD from Boston University School of Medicine, completed a residency in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, a residency in radiation oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and received a PhD in pathology from the University of Pennsylvania.
Charles (Chuck) Ray, MD, PhD
Radiology & Imaging Sciences
Chuck Ray serves as interim chair of the Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he directs clinical, research, and educational programs in diagnostic and interventional imaging. His areas of focus include image-guided therapies, clinical innovation, and advancing interventional radiology education. Ray received an MD from Rush University and completed a residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and a fellowship in vascular/interventional radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and received a PhD in clinical science from the University of Colorado Denver.
Fiemu E. Nwariaku, MD, MBA
Surgery
Fiemu Nwariaku serves as chair of the Department of Surgery in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, where he leads clinical, research, and educational missions across all surgical specialties. His national and global reputation reflect his work in endocrine surgery, particularly thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pancreatic disease, as well as his leadership in robotic and minimally invasive techniques. He received an MD from University College Hospital, Nigeria, completed residency and fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and received an MBA from the University of Tennessee.