Dr. Robert Lane Appointed Chair of Pediatrics at MCW and Pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Robert H. Lane, M.D., M.S., has been named chair of the department of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. He will assume both roles on January 28, 2013, pending approval by the MCW Board of Trustees at the November 16 board meeting.

Dr. Lane comes to MCW and Children’s Hospital from the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, where he is chief of neonatology; and the August L. Jung, M.D., and Presidential Professor in the division of neonatology, department of pediatrics. He also serves as associate chair for basic research in the University of Utah School of Medicine’s department of pediatrics.

Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics with a subspecialty in neonatal-perinatal medicine, Dr. Lane is a prominent researcher in the fields of epigenetics (the study of heritable alterations in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in DNA sequence) and uteroplacental insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy). He has received several national grants, including awards from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and from the American Diabetes Association.

Joseph E. Kerschner, M.D., executive vice president and dean of MCW’s medical school, cited Dr. Lane’s experience as a faculty leader, researcher and educator as key factors in his appointment.

“Dr. Lane’s leadership experience and clinical expertise will further strengthen our robust pediatrics department. Additionally, he has served as a mentor for dozens of students and brings strong educational skills to our institution,” Dr. Kerschner said.

“We are delighted that Dr. Lane has accepted this key leadership position. He is an experienced clinician, teacher and researcher who is passionate about improving the health of children. He will play a key role in enhancing our collaborative efforts and providing the best care possible,” said Peggy Troy, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital and Health Systems.

Dr. Lane earned his M.D. from Northwestern University School of Medicine in 1989 and served an internship and residency in pediatrics there between 1989 and 1992. He was a fellow in the pediatrics scientist training program at the University of Chicago from 1992 until 1994 and earned a master of science degree in healthcare administration from the University of Texas – Dallas in 2011.

A member and past president of the Perinatal Research Society, Dr. Lane belongs to numerous other organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Diabetes Association, American Pediatric Society, and the Society for Pediatric Research. Dr. Lane possesses an extremely strong publication record including original peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and abstracts, and has participated in a significant number of invited lectures, workshops, site visits and grand round presentations, both nationally and internationally.