Eric Orwoll, MD, has been appointed Associate Dean for Clinical Science in the OHSU School of Medicine, effective immediately. Dr. Orwoll is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute (OCTRI). This appointment is retroactively effective to January 1, 2011.

Among the responsibilities of the Associate Dean for Clinical Science are: to create a research vision, direction and capacity for clinical and translational research; to identify and cultivate philanthropy; and to develop a strategic plan to further the research mission through collaborative and trans-disciplinary research. The Associate Dean for Clinical Science works closely with the Associate Dean for Basic Science to develop collaborative research plans and to foster new opportunities between departments, units and faculty.

“With shifts in federal funding and a new emphasis on collaboration – including the internal reorganization this will requires – Eric is stepping into this position at a pivotal time. I am confident Eric will continue to build clinical science capacity at OHSU and will provide strong leadership for the research mission,” said Dean Mark Richardson. “Already, Eric has been an exceptional leader of OCTRI and has, with Associate Dean Mary Stenzel-Poore, been leading the collaborative School of Medicine Research Roadmap process which will identify investment priorities for the next five years.”

Dr. Orwoll is an internationally recognized expert in the area of bone biology and metabolic bone disease, and has considerable experience in basic, clinical, and epidemiological research.  His major areas of research interest include the epidemiology, etiology and therapy of osteoporosis in men, the evaluation of new diagnostics and therapeutics, effects of sex steroids on skeletal biology, and skeletal genetics. 

Dr. Orwoll has been the principle investigator for many projects supported by the NIH, VA and foundations, and is the author of more than 280 peer-reviewed publications, reviews, books, and book chapters. He is also an experienced leader in academic medicine, with extensive responsibility for clinical and translational research planning and management. Dr. Orwoll joined the faculty in the School of Medicine in 1979.

“We are entering an era in which the rapid translation of new knowledge into clinical practice is increasingly emphasized by funding agencies as an essential step in the research continuum,” said Dr. Orwoll. “OHSU has the clinical and translational research framework in place to continue to make a major difference in this arena and to grow our impact. The whole institution, with regional partners, represents a truly unique laboratory for breakthroughs along the whole spectrum of biomedical and health services research.  We are a uniquely collegial and collaborative faculty, and this team-based approach to science will be essential for success. I feel privileged to be able to continue to contribute to this future as Associate Dean.”

“In addition to nationally-recognized scientific expertise, Eric’s long association with the OHSU School of Medicine provides him with a breadth of institutional knowledge that will serve our research mission well. Please join me in congratulating Eric,” said Dean Richardson.