Arik Alper, MD, has been named interim chair of pediatrics and regional site director at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (LMH), effective February 12, 2024. Alper is an assistant professor of pediatrics (gastroenterology) whose clinical, research, and educational activities focus primarily on children with aerodigestive disorders.

Alper received his MD from Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem and completed his pediatric residency at Tel Aviv Medical Center. He completed a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at Yale School of Medicine in 2015 and has been with the Department of Pediatrics as an instructor and assistant professor ever since. He is the co-director of the Yale Pediatric Aerodigestive Program.

In his new role, Alper will provide oversight of inpatient, emergency department, and ambulatory operations for the pediatric population and, in collaboration with leadership from LMH, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, and Yale Medicine, will develop and implement a strategic plan for inpatient and ambulatory program development that will meet the needs of the New London community and align with organizational goals and principles.

Alper will play a lead role in advancing the pediatric care signature, overseeing and improving quality and safety efforts, ensuring effective communication, and advocating for the needs of children and their families. He will serve as a resource to LMH administrative directors and patient care managers and as an important partner and liaison to the regional medical community. In this capacity, Alper will work closely with the Yale New Haven Hospital associate chief of pediatrics to understand and address community concerns and will lead community engagement educational efforts and forums.