MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

We are proud to present our annual report for the Department of Medicine for 2021-22.

In the last annual report, we shared stories from the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though COVID-19 remains a constant in our lives, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to research, education, the care of all patients and ourselves. We continue to adapt to and triumph over changes as they unfold in the post-COVID era.

After 10 years leading our Department of Medicine, Patricia heads to the University of New Mexico (UNM) to serve as the fifth dean in the UNM’s School of Medicine 61-yearhistory. The department has thrived despite many challenges over these past 10 years, and I have been proud to serve alongside Patricia as vice head. I am honored to serve as interim head and will continue to lead the department by staying true to its mission to strive for excellence, innovation, and exceptional care for all.

As I look to the future, I will continue to be mindful of our departmental goals which include continuous improvement to reduce costs and improve efficiency while enhancing excellence in the areas of clinical, education, faculty affairs, scholarly activities, diversity and inclusion, and service to local and global communities.

As we all know, change is challenging. It’s only through change that we continually examine our mission, our values, and our goals as we look towards the future. I would like to thank everyone for their support of the Department of Medicine and each other.

Best, George T. Kondos, MD

A. Tom Petropulos Professor and Interim Head Department of Medicine - University of Illinois Chicago

There are no words to describe what I am feeling as I write this note. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to lead this spectacular department, and I am even more grateful for all your support these past ten years. While change is never easy for anyone, I am excited for this new chapter in my life.

It has been an honor to lead and serve you. We strove to integrate inclusion into all our missions: scientific discovery, exceptional care for all and finding our replacements as we train the next generation. With your input, we brainstormed at our retreats, developed goals that informed our councils, celebrated victories, embraced and overcame challenges, danced at unforgettable parties, and never forgot to breathe. I am proud of each and every one of you and all your accomplishments both large and small. This is not good-bye, this is see you soon.

Sincerely,

Patricia W. Finn, MD

Earl M. Bane Professor and Head Department of Medicine - University of Illinois Chicago