Pamela Zeitlin, MD, PhD, Named Chair of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health

Nationally renowned Pediatric Pulmonologist Pamela Zeitlin, MD, PhD, has been named Chair of the Silverstein Family Department of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health. In this role, she will lead the National Jewish Health for Kids pediatrics program, which encompasses care, research and education. Dr. Zeitlin will assume her new role December 1, 2016.

Dr. Zeitlin comes to National Jewish Health from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where she serves as Professor of Pediatrics and Deputy Director for the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. She is also director of the Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences and co-director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Center. Dr. Zeitlin received her medical degree and her Doctor of Philosophy in Cell Biology at Yale University. She completed her residency and fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Following her education, Dr. Zeitlin has spent the past 28 years at Johns Hopkins, where she has built and overseen many successful pediatric pulmonary, research and faculty education programs.

“Dr. Zeitlin is an incredible and talented individual,” said Michael Salem, MD, president and CEO of National Jewish Health. “Her expertise in pediatric pulmonary medicine and pediatric cystic fibrosis, combined with her leadership in research and physician education, makes her an excellent fit with our institution and a true visionary for pediatrics at National Jewish Health.”

Erwin Gelfand, MD, who is retiring from the pediatrics chair position after serving for 29 years, will continue to see patients and conduct research at National Jewish Health. Under Dr. Gelfand’s leadership, the Pediatrics Department has become a world leader in the treatment and research of pediatric allergies, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Innovative clinical programs, such as the Pediatric Day Program and the Severe Asthma Program, provide unparalleled care to children from around the world. During Dr. Gelfand’s tenure, more than 75 clinical fellows graduated from the National Jewish Health Fellows Program. He trained more than 100 post-doctoral students in his laboratory, and clinical and basic research programs have thrived.

“Dr. Gelfand’s contributions and commitment to National Jewish Health, our patients and our faculty are innumerable,” said Dr. Salem. “During his tenure as chair, our pediatrics department reached new heights in innovative patient treatment, as well as in scientific breakthroughs.”

As Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Zeitlin will oversee the pediatric clinical and research programs at National Jewish Health. She will not only build on existing programs, but also she will look to build new programs such as a pediatric aerodigestive program for patients who struggle with breathing or swallowing or who have related gastrointestinal problems in addition to respiratory conditions. Dr. Zeitlin also brings with her a substantial clinical research program.

“Over the course of my career I’ve been passionate about research that benefits children. I’m excited to be joining an organization, and a group of phenomenal physicians and researchers, who share that same passion,” said Dr. Zeitlin. “I look forward to working within the community to expand the reach of National Jewish Health for Kids in helping those suffering from chronic lung diseases.”

As Division Chief at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Zeitlin built and led a pediatric sleep program, a pediatric asthma program, a bronchopulmonary dysplasia clinic and served as co-director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center. In her career, she has published more than 130 peer-reviewed research articles as well as a wide variety of reviews and other publications. Additionally, Dr. Zeitlin has served as mentor for numerous pre and post-doctoral students.