The University of Texas Medical Branch appointed Dr. Salim Hayek as Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine in the John Sealy School of Medicine, effective July 1. Hayek, who holds the Edward Randall and Edward Randall, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine, has served as interim chair since May 2024.
A board-certified cardiologist, NIH-funded physician-scientist, and national leader in academic medicine, Hayek brings to the role a rare combination of clinical insight, scientific rigor and health system leadership. His appointment marks a continued commitment by UTMB to driving innovation, advancing academic excellence, and expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered care.
“Dr. Hayek’s leadership and vision are aligned with the UTMB mission to deliver outstanding care, breakthrough research and innovation, and transformative education,” said Dr. Antonio Bianco, Interim Senior Vice President and Dean of the John Sealy School of Medicine, and UTMB Chief Research Officer. “His work in precision medicine and health care transformation will help lead our Department of Internal Medicine—and our institution—into the future.”
Before joining UTMB in 2024 as Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, Hayek served at the University of Michigan as Medical Director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center Clinics, the largest multidisciplinary cardiovascular center in the UM system. He also held faculty appointments as Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Associate Director of UM Precision Health.
Hayek’s internationally recognized research explores the role of inflammation in cardiovascular and kidney disease and the use of high-throughput technologies and novel biomarkers in risk prediction and personalized care. He has authored 200 peer-reviewed publications and received numerous honors from the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association and other leading organizations.
As chair, Hayek will lead one of the largest departments at UTMB, overseeing its missions in research, education, and clinical care across the university’s campuses and regional network. His proven ability to implement data-driven strategies and integrate emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence—into clinical operations is expected to help shape the future of medicine at UTMB.