Iris Romero, MD, the Executive Vice Dean for Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine, has appointed Scott Oakes, MD, as Vice Dean for Clinical Science Research. In this new role, Oakes will be responsible for implementing the research strategic plan focused on clinical science within the overall research mission of the BSD/PSOM. He will work closely with Conrad Gilliam, PhD, the Vice Dean for Basic Science Research to develop strategic plans for research within the division.
As Vice Dean, Oakes will serve as a key strategic leader within the office of the Dean and promote synergy across BSD research entities by collaborating closely with clinical research Associate Deans and research leaders in clinical departments, the Pritzker School of Medicine, and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Oakes currently holds the position of Professor and Vice Chair of Research and Academic Affairs in the Department of Pathology at UChicago Medicine. Additionally, he serves as Co-Leader of the Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program in UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Oakes’ research laboratory focuses on understanding how mammalian cells respond to damage and its implications for diseases like cancer. As Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Pathology at UChicago Medicine, he provides mentorship to research faculty, oversees grants administration and has been involved in faculty recruitment efforts. Oakes also leads physician-scientist development program within his department.
Prior to joining UChicago faculty in 2019 after 14 years at University California San Francisco (UCSF), Oakes received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Elmira College and his medical degree from University Connecticut. He completed his residency at Brigham Women’s Hospital and a postdoctoral fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute before joining UCSF as an Assistant Professor
