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Michael Iannuzzi named Reifenstein Professor

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Michael C. Iannuzzi, M.D., MBA, chair of the Department of Medicine at Upstate Medical University, has been named the Edward C. Reifenstein Professor of Medicine.

In announcing the appointment, Steven Scheinman, M.D., senior vice president and dean of the College of Medicine, said: "Dr. Iannuzzi exemplifies the qualities of leadership, medical education, investigation and clinical care that the Reifenstein chair is intended to celebrate."

Since joining the Upstate faculty in the summer of 2008, Iannuzzi has led key initiatives to enhance and grow key clinical services, such as diabetes care, infectious diseases, cancer, cardiology, sleep medicine and skin cancer. His innovative leadership has found new ways to educate and build camaraderie among medical residents and students, such as a night at the Everson Art Museum or an afternoon in the kitchen preparing gourmet meals.

On the research front, Iannuzzi is an internationally recognized expert in the immune system disorder sarcoidosis, and is widely known for his role in the discovery of the cystic fibrosis gene in 1989. He also has participated in studies examining the respiratory illnesses suffered by workers and volunteers who participated in the rescue efforts during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City.

Reifenstein (1880-1970), for whom the professorship is named, was a widely known physician and organizer of the first cardiac clinic at Upstate Medical Center. He was a practicing physician for 64 years, specializing in cardiovascular medicine and research. Reifenstein held faculty positions in the Syracuse University College of Medicine (now Upstate Medical University) for four decades and served in leadership positions in local, state and national medical societies. He shared his expertise with numerous area hospitals, serving as a consultant for Crouse-Irving Memorial and Lee Memorial in Fulton, among others.

Former College of Medicine Dean and longtime faculty member William Williams, M.D., served previously as the Edward C. Reifenstein Professor of Medicine.

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