Dr. John V. Williams, a leading expert on respiratory viruses that infect children, has been named the next chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Williams is currently a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and serves as chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in its Department of Pediatrics. His research focuses on the epidemiology, immunology and pathogenesis of respiratory viruses, which are leading causes of death in children worldwide.
The Department of Pediatrics at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health is home to about 200 faculty members serving across 16 subspecialty divisions. Department members work to promote and enhance the health of children by providing clinical care, educating pediatric trainees, performing research and engaging in advocacy.
The department’s education programs serve learners at all levels and its research enterprise is ranked among the top 20 pediatrics departments in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. Clinicians in the department provide care through UW Health Kids at numerous clinical facilities in Madison, including American Family Children’s Hospital, UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, as well as additional clinics statewide.
“I am thrilled to be joining such a terrific institution and building on this department’s incredible accomplishments,” Williams said. “I look forward to advancing the department’s clinical, research and education missions as we work together toward promoting the health of children in Wisconsin and beyond.”
Williams’ research investigates respiratory viruses, particularly human metapneumovirus, referred to as HMPV. This virus is a major cause of lower respiratory illness in infants and children, as well as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, such as organ transplant patients. Little is known about HMPV, and Williams’ group works to understand how it infects people, how those infections can be prevented and treated and important aspects of post-infection immunity.
Under his leadership, the clinical, educational and research programs in the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division at Pittsburgh grew significantly. He also led the creation of new telemedicine and mentorship initiatives. Williams’ record of innovative and effective leadership provides a strong foundation for his senior leadership position at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, according to Dr. Robert N. Golden, dean of the school.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Williams to this important role in our renowned Department of Pediatrics,” Golden said. “His leadership style, innovative approach and commitment to excellence will greatly accelerate the advancement of the missions of the department, the school and our academic health system. I look forward to seeing the department reach new heights.”
Williams obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He then completed a residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
After more than a decade as a faculty member at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, he joined the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics as chief of its Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Williams also holds an appointment in Pittsburgh’s Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics and directs the Institute for Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity in Children.
Williams has published more than 200 peer-reviewed research articles and mentored numerous graduate students, fellows and junior faculty. His research has been supported by the NIH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and foundations. He is a fellow of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society and among, other awards, has been selected for the E. Mead Johnson Award in Pediatric Research from the Society for Pediatric Research, the Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award from the American Pediatric Society and a Special Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award from the University of Pittsburgh.
Williams’ role as chair will become effective in October.