Derek Abbott, MD, PhD, Named Cecil and Ida Green Chair of Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine at National Jewish Health

Following a national search, National Jewish Health named Derek Abbott, MD, PhD, the Cecil and Ida Green Chair of the Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine. Dr. Abbott is currently the Arline H. and Curtis Garvin Professor of Medicine in the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, where he has been since 2006. Dr. Abbott also brings expertise as the former Director of the CWRU Medical Scientist Training Program. Dr. Abbott will assume his new role in July 2025.

“Dr. Abbott is highly respected in clinical care and research within the field of both immunology and genomic medicine. He brings tremendous experience, knowledge and collaborative leadership, and we look forward to having him lead this key area of our institution,” said Gregory Downey, MD, executive vice president, Academic Affairs & Provost at National Jewish Health.

Dr. Abbott is highly regarded in his field, including having a long record of significant publications. He has led his lab forward in working at the intersection of Genetics and Immunology, seeking to use genetic data to help map key nodal points in inflammatory and autoimmune disease and then use that knowledge to guide drug development.

Dr. Abbott will succeed Philippa Marrack, PhD, FRS, who has led the Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine as Chair and Distinguished Professor and served National Jewish Health for more than 45 years. Dr. Marrack has been a worldwide leader in the field of immunology for decades and has set the standard of excellence and dedication to basic scientific research as a key function for our institution and those that excel in this area. Her discoveries with her team have contributed to the development of immune-based therapies, revolutionizing treatment for cancer, lung and autoimmune diseases and vaccines.  

“Dr. Marrack’s more than 50-year long career has made a difference in the lives of countless thousands throughout the world as well as to those of us who have had the privilege to work with her,” said Michael Salem, MD, CEO and president of National Jewish Health. “We appreciate all that she has done for us here and for the field of medicine throughout her career.” Dr. Marrack will continue to lead the department until Dr. Abbott arrives in July, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

Dr. Abbott completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia in 1993 and then matriculated to Vanderbilt University School of Medicine as an MSTP Student. While a graduate student, Dr. Abbott studied the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, ultimately attaining a PhD in Cell Biology. After completion of medical school, he continued his clinical training as a Clinical Fellow in Anatomic Pathology at Brigham and Women's Hospital (Harvard Medical School) in Boston. There he aimed to understand the intersection of immunology and genetics to better determine drug targets in inflammatory disease, work his lab continues to this day.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take on this leadership role at National Jewish Health,” said Dr. Abbott. “I look forward to the opportunity to join the leadership team, focusing on the innovation and discovery that takes place in this preeminent organization as I continue my passion for research and clinical care.”

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. To learn more, visit the media resources page.