Hospital for Special Surgery Names New Rheumatology Chief Amid Leadership Transition
Event summary
- Anca Dinu Askanase, MD, MPH, appointed Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Hospital for Special Surgery, effective April 2026.
- Dr. Askanase succeeds S. Louis Bridges Jr., MD, PhD, who retires in March 2026 after leading the department.
- Dr. Askanase brings over two decades of academic rheumatology leadership, including founding and directing the Columbia Lupus Center.
- She has led or participated in over 150 clinical investigations and holds leadership positions in major rheumatology organizations.
- HSS emphasizes Dr. Askanase's expertise in complex SLE (lupus) care and cell therapy research as key to advancing its musculoskeletal health mission.
The big picture
This leadership transition at HSS's rheumatology division underscores the growing importance of specialized care in autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus. Dr. Askanase's appointment reflects a strategic focus on integrating cutting-edge research—especially cell therapy—with clinical excellence, aligning with broader trends in precision medicine. Her extensive network in academic rheumatology may also strengthen HSS's position as a leader in musculoskeletal health innovation.
What we're watching
- Research Integration
- How Dr. Askanase will accelerate HSS's translational research, particularly in cell therapy for autoimmune diseases.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Whether her background in orthopedics-rheumatology integration will enhance HSS's musculoskeletal care model.
- Patient-Centered Innovation
- The pace at which her virtual disease activity measures and outreach programs expand HSS's community impact.
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