Andrea Amalfitano, director of Michigan State University’s Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, will be recommended for the position of interim dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
If approved by the MSU Board of Trustees, the appointment will be effective Feb. 16. Amalfitano will begin serving as interim dean designee immediately.
In addition to his position as director of MSU’s Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Amalfitano serves as a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics and pediatrics, and as the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Endowed Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology, and Molecular Genetics. Prior to joining MSU in 2005, he served as an associate professor at Duke University in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Pathology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology.
“Dr. Amalfitano’s understanding of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the university, along with his leadership experience as director of our Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, will provide continuity during this time of transition,” said MSU Provost June Pierce Youatt. “My thanks to Kari Hortos for her recent service as the college’s responsible administrator and to the College Advisory Council for their input on the selection of an interim dean.”
Amalfitano earned a bachelor of science in microbiology in 1984 and a Ph.D. in microbiology in 1989, both from Michigan State University. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or D.O., medical degree in 1990 from MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s D.O./Ph.D. dual-degree program.
His research focuses on determining the feasibility of cutting-edge therapeutics, including gene transfer, to treat both acquired and genetic diseases and then translating that knowledge into the clinical realm. His scholarly efforts in both clinical medicine and applied genetics have led to the development of innovative treatments for infants, children and adults affected by a variety of diseases, including lethal muscular dystrophies, cancer, autoimmune diseases and autism.
“I feel both honored and privileged to be given the opportunity to guide the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine as interim dean,” Amalfitano said. “I look forward to fostering continued expansion of the clinical, educational, outreach and research efforts of our faculty. These efforts will also support cutting-edge learning opportunities for our students. As a result, we will optimally prepare our students to holistically promote health and prevent disease as tomorrow’s exceptional physicians.”
Amalfitano will succeed William Strampel, who served as College of Osteopathic Medicine dean from 2002 to 2017.