New Division Chief Appointed in Nephrology
Beginning June 1, 2017, Michael Ross, M.D., will join Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System as chief of the division of nephrology in the department of medicine.
Michael Ross, M.D.Dr. Ross will bring multi-faceted experience as a passionate physician, scientist, educator and leader to his new role in the Bronx. He currently serves as chief of the renal division at James J. Peters VA Medical Center, in the Bronx, and as associate professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. From 2004 to 2015, he served as director of the Nephrology Fellowship Program (NFP) at Mount Sinai, and currently serves as deputy editor of the high-impact journal Kidney International.
“Dr. Ross has tremendous integrity, along with a great passion for clinical nephrology, education and research,” noted Dr. Yaron Tomer, professor and chair of medicine.
Proven Successes
At Mount Sinai, Dr. Ross’ NIH-funded research explores the mechanisms of HIV-associated kidney diseases, and he is actively engaged in clinical and translational research. As principal investigator on two R01 grants, Dr. Ross focuses on novel mechanisms of antiretroviral protection against HIV-related kidney diseases and the role of APOL1 polymorphism in promoting HIV-related kidney injury. He also conducts clinical research with the International Network for Strategic Initiatives for Global HIV Trials, or INSIGHT.
During his tenure as director of the NFP, Dr. Ross implemented the first nephrology night float system in the nation, which improved the delivery of nighttime care to patients, ensuring compliance with duty hours and regulations, and reducing burnout among fellows. In 2007, he served as co-chair of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) committee that was instrumental in enrolling the NFP in the National Residency Matching Program; he currently serves as chair of the ASN Match Oversight Task Force.
In his role as division chief of nephrology at the Bronx VA Hospital – home to the largest dialysis program in the VA system – Dr. Ross helped design a new dialysis unit, which is expected to increase capacity by nearly 50 percent. He also had a leading role in establishing a new kidney transplant program – the only VA kidney transplant program in the northeastern U.S.
Firm Foundation for Smooth Transition
In announcing Dr. Ross’ appointment, Dr. Tomer also acknowledged the stellar efforts of Dr. Vaughn Folkert, who has served as interim chief of nephrology since 2012. “Dr. Folkert has led the thriving division with a fierce commitment to excellence, fostering a collaborative clinical and academic environment,” said Dr. Tomer.
As interim division chief, Dr. Folkert recruited five full-time faculty members; promoted active research in clinical nephrology and epidemiology; expanded and improved clinical operations; opened new dialysis units to serve the Bronx community; developed innovative programs with Montefiore’s CMO (care management company) to improve care and reduce admissions of patients with end-stage renal disease; and oversaw Montefiore-Einstein’s outstanding clinical nephrology program and fellowship, which is among the best in the nation.
“I’m confident that Dr. Ross will continue to expand our innovative and collaborative nephrology program, where clinical and basic research and clinical care are closely interwoven,” added Dr. Tomer. “With a high prevalence of kidney disease in the Bronx, we continually strive to ensure that our dedicated clinicians, researchers and trainees are frequently challenged to address important problems and improve the care of our patients, in our community and beyond.”
Dr. Ross earned his undergraduate degree from Tufts University in 1991 and his medical degree from New York University in 1995. After completing a residency in internal medicine at Duke University in 1998, he received nephrology fellowship training at Mount Sinai, under the direction of Dr. Paul Klotman, and joined the nephrology division’s faculty in 2001. He holds leadership positions on national research and medical education committees and recently served as president of the New York Society of Nephrology. His work appears in over 55 peer-reviewed articles, and he is a frequent invited speaker at national conferences.
Posted on: Tuesday, January 10, 2017