Anca Askanase MD, MPH, is New Associate Chair for Clinical Trials
The Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology is delighted to announce the appointment of three critical roles within the Department of Medicine, effective immediately, to address goals of excellence formulated in our recent strategic planning initiative. Congratulations to Rebecca Haeusler MD, the new Associate Chair for Basic Science Research, Arthur Magun MD, the new Associate Chair for Clinical Practice, and Anca Askanase MD, MPH, the new Associate Chair for Clinical Trials.
Our very own, Anca Askanase MD, MPH, will serve as the Associate Chair for Clinical Trials for the Department of Medicine. Dr. Askanase is a Professor of Medicine, the founder and Director of the Columbia University Lupus Center, Director of Rheumatology Clinical trials, and Director of Non-Oncology Infusion Services. She is a clinician, diagnostician, and researcher specializing in complex Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). She has been the lead PI for several major SLE clinical trials, and the HHS-Office of Minority Health funds her lupus outreach on clinical trials to disparate populations in the tri-state area. As a member of the Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium, she partners with the FDA to advance drug development in SLE. More recently, she has played a critical role in initiating phase I cell therapy programs in SLE. In her new role, Dr. Askanase will provide oversight and direction for the Department of Medicine’s clinical trials. She will develop a clinical trials infrastructure, expand and organize the clinical trials portfolio, including development of patient registries to facilitate trials in new areas, search for new opportunities, facilitate contracting and execution of clinical trials, and develop a clinical trial investigator career path for junior faculty. Dr. Askanase’s vision is to improve patient outcomes by making clinical research and clinical trials an extension of clinical care. Her commitment and dedication in this new role will ensure that CUIMC patients and faculty will benefit from their involvement in research.
Congratulations, Dr. Askanase! We're fortunate to have you in our division and look forward to seeing the impact you have on the clinical trial space at CUIMC!