Shuta Ishibe, MD, professor of medicine (nephrology), was named interim chief of the Yale Department of Internal Medicine’s Section of Nephrology, following the decision from Stefan Somlo, MD, C. N. H. Long Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) and professor of genetics, to step down from the role after 21 years as chief.
“It has been my privilege to serve in a leadership capacity with such an outstanding group of colleagues,” Dr. Somlo said. “The time is right to transition leadership and continue the section’s wonderful trajectory, and I look forward to continuing to support my colleagues and the section in the next phase of development.”
Department Chair Gary V. Désir, MD, Paul B. Beeson Professor of Medicine and vice provost for Faculty Development and Diversity, noted Somlo’s tireless work over the past 21 years to elevate the Section of Nephrology in support of the department’s missions of education, research, and clinical care. “I am excited to see what his work in the lab will produce in the future,” Dr. Désir said.
Dr. Ishibe joined Yale School of Medicine in 2001 as a clinical fellow in nephrology. After completing his fellowship, he was named a clinical instructor and then associate research scientist before switching to the faculty ladder track, earning an appointment as assistant professor in 2008. Ishibe continued his academic career progression over the next 13 years and was named professor of medicine (nephrology) and cellular and molecular physiology in 2021. Ishibe has led the Undergraduate Summer Research Program for nephrology for over a decade and directs the Nephrology Research fellowship.
Ishibe won the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2020 Distinguished Researcher Award, which recognizes individuals who have made substantial research contributions in nephrology and display innovation and excellence in research to advance the science and/or practice of nephrology, according to the ASN website. Additionally, in 2020, Ishibe was inducted into the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
Ishibe said that he was honored to be called upon to serve as interim chief of nephrology. “This position presents a unique responsibility to uphold the culture of excellence and collaboration that defines our section while continuing to build on our clinical, educational, and research endeavors,” he said. “I am committed to fostering an environment that supports our faculty and trainees, encourages innovation, and provides exceptional patient care.”
Shuta added that he will strive to maintain the section’s high standards while exploring new opportunities for growth that align with the school’s values.
Désir emphasized the important role that Ishibe will play in navigating this period. “Having him serve as chief during the transition is vital to the continuity of the section’s efforts,” he said.
A national search will be conducted to find the next section chief for nephrology.
Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine Section of Nephrology is committed to excellence in patient care, research, and education with the goal for both their faculty and trainees to be national and international leaders in the field of academic nephrology. To learn more about their mission and work, visit Nephrology.