James O. Armitage, M.D., an internationally recognized expert in the
research and treatment of lymphoma, has resigned as dean of the College
of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, effective Sept.
1. He plans to stay at UNMC, focusing his efforts on medical students and
his clinical and research interests.
I have held an administrative position in the College of Medicine for
the past 13 years, said Dr. Armitage, who was named to his current position
in 2000, after having been the chairman of the department of internal medicine
for a decade. Im excited to again be a professor of medicine and return
to the rewards and challenges of teaching, clinical research and patient
care.
I think that we have a wonderful College of Medicine, and Im very
proud of it. It has been gratifying to work with so many outstanding professionals
during my time as an administrator. I will continue to value and cultivate
those relationships as I move onto this new period of my professional life.
UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer said that Dr. Armitage has done an
outstanding job as dean, noting that he has been extremely effective
in working collaboratively with Nebraska Health System to create a world-class
clinical hospital. Dr. Armitage also has had to tackle several critical
issues, including the replacement of the Richard Young Center for the department
of psychiatry and the development of an Emergency Medicine residency program,
Dr. Maurer said.
Facing the budget reductions has been challenging to everyone, but
Jim has tackled that successfully, Dr. Maurer said. Needless to say,
I regret to see him leave the post, but wish him well as he returns to
full time hematology/oncology, which is his true love.
UNMCs College of Medicine comprises 18 departments and 14 sections
within those departments. Its mission is to improve the health of Nebraskans
through premier education programs, innovative research, the highest quality
patient care and outreach to underserved populations.
John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the department of internal medicine,
said that Dr Armitages outstanding academic stature, his leadership style
and his amiable personality were the main reasons that he joined UNMC.
His leadership style has greatly enhanced our departments ability
to introduce change and to develop new programs in an efficient and effective
manner, Dr. Gollan said. Although we will miss him as the dean, we welcome
him back as a full-time professor in our hematology/oncology section.
The recruitment of Dr. Gollan is an example of Dr. Armitages work in
positioning the College of Medicine for future positive growth, said Ken
Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Eppley Cancer Center.
Theres been a number of important recruitments that he has made, and
he has provided important leadership in helping define the College of Medicine,
Dr. Cowan said. With the new research building and the tobacco settlement
funding, and despite the current economic situation in the state, the College
of Medicine is well-positioned to take the next step forward in future
growth. Dr. Armitage has been an important part of shaping that future.
Born in California and raised in Kearney, Neb., Dr. Armitage is a 1973
UNMC graduate. In 1982, he began the bone marrow transplantation program
at UNMC. He served as chief of the section of oncology/hematology from
1986 to 1989 and before being named as chairman of the department of internal
medicine in 1990.
Dr. Armitage is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology
and hematology. He is a member of several professional organizations
as well as serving on the editorial boards of several peer-reviewed journals.
He serves on numerous national and international committees and is a Fellow
of both the American and Royal College of Physicians, a member of the National
Cancer Advisory Board, past-president of the American Society of Clinical
Oncology and past -president of the American Society of Blood and Marrow
Transplantation. He has authored or coauthored 350 articles, 50 book
chapters, 325 abstracts, and is the editor of 12 books. He and his wife,
Nancy, are parents to four children.