Brett Kissela, MD, with over two decades of dedicated service at the University of Cincinnati (UC), has been appointed director of the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, the university announced yesterday. Kissela, a familiar name in neurology and stroke research, is stepping back from his role as chair of the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine to focus more intensively on clinical research and innovation at the Institute.
At a time when advances in neuroscience are more critical than ever, Kissela's appointment is expected not just to uphold but also broaden the capabilities of the Institute. "It's a profound honor to assume the role of director at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute," Kissela said, according to the UC's news release. He shared his excitement over the opportunity to "collaborate with our exceptional teams to not only expand access to cutting-edge care but also to significantly enhance our research capabilities and drive patient-centered innovation forward." Kissela’s prior roles also include executive vice dean and senior associate dean of clinical research for the UC College of Medicine, and chief of research services for UC Health, which he will maintain alongside his new position.
Dr. Gregory C. Postel, dean of the College of Medicine and executive vice president for health affairs at UC, acknowledged the impact of Kissela’s leadership, stating, "We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Kissela for his exemplary leadership as chair of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, a role in which he elevated our neuroscience programs to national prominence." Postel enthusiastically noted that Kissela’s transition is "perfectly suited to his expertise," as reported by the University of Cincinnati’s news article. The move underscores UC's interest in reinforcing Kissela's focus on critical clinical research, essentially aiming to expedite breakthroughs and enhance patient care.
Under his leadership, the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine was transformed into a nationally renowned program, with Kissela championing interdisciplinary care and mentoring a new generation of medical professionals. His prior initiatives have laid a foundation for what promises to be a continued emphasis on translational research and innovation at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. He has also been recognized for his extensive research on stroke outcomes and the intersection of diabetes with stroke incidence, having led several projects funded by the National Institutes of Health through the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training (CCTST). Additionally, Kissela has earned accolades, including the Dr. Creighton B. Wright Healthcare Leadership Award and the Daniel Drake Medal, for his contributions to medical education and research.
The neuroscience community anticipates that Kissela’s expertise and innovative approach will continue to significantly advance the field under the prestigious umbrella of the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. His career, marked by numerous academic and leadership roles, positions him to tackle the challenges associated with neurological disorders head-on, promising a brighter future for patients and the field as a whole.
