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Robert Ferry, Jr., MD, Named Chief, Combined Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes

in the College of Medicine, Memphis,

a University of Tennessee Health Science Center Campus

Memphis, Tenn. (May 7, 2008) – Russell Chesney, MD, professor and chairman, Department of Pediatrics for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has announced the appointment of Robert Ferry, Jr., MD, as chief for the combined UTHSC and St. Jude Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes in the College of Medicine. 

He joins the Department of Pediatrics with over a decade of experience in pediatric research and child advocacy.  His research focuses on origins of diabetes mellitus and hormonal consequences of pediatric cancer, with emphasis on insulin-like growth factor binding proteins and other mediators of cellular functions and fate (summarized at http://myprofile.cos.com/rferry).

“Dr. Ferry is a nationally known investigator who brings new expertise to the Mid-South.” stated Executive Dean Steve Schwab, MD.

”Diabetes and obesity are at epidemic proportions in our community and huge health threats to our children.  Dr. Ferry’s research and experience will greatly enhance the endocrinology program at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center,” said Meri Armour, president and CEO at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center.

Dr. Ferry is internationally recognized for his research and has received multiple independent research grants and awards.  Highly respected as a teacher and trainer, he chaired the Associates Council for the Endocrine Society from 2000-2003, advocating for over 1,800 endocrine trainees worldwide.  Dr. Ferry has served in the United States Army and was deployed with the US Army to Iraq for more than eight months from 2005-2006 serving in field, battalion and brigade surgeon billets.  He has also participated in humanitarian missions in Mexico and Iraq. 

Dr. Chesney noted, “"The UT Foundation has graciously initiated fundraising for the George Burghen Endowed Chair in Pediatric Endocrinology to support the research of the division chief for Pediatric Endocrinology.  This new endowment represents the best opportunities for our community to invigorate diabetes-related and hormone-related research in the Mid-South.”

 “Engaging the community is critical for the Mid-South to address the issues of obesity and type 2 diabetes.  Our division addresses hormonal disorders at every level, from the molecular to public health.  This rapidly growing division reflects excellence in multiple research areas across our missions on both the Le Bonheur and St. Jude’s campuses,” stated Dr. Ferry. 

As the flagship statewide academic health system, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is focused on a four-tier mission of education, research, clinical care and public service, all in support of a single goal: to improve the health of Tennesseans.  Offering a broad range of postgraduate training opportunities, the main campus is located in Memphis and includes six colleges: Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.  UTHSC has additional College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy campuses in Knoxville and a College of Medicine campus in Chattanooga.  For more information, visit www.uthsc.edu.

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