January 8, 2009
Larry Kessler named chair of Health Services
Dr. Larry Kessler was appointed chair of the Department of Health Services in the UW School of Public Health, effective Jan. 1.
Since September 2002, Kessler has served as director of the Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health. That office plays a crucial role in identifying key scientific questions and solutions concerning device safety and effectiveness.
Kessler’s first role at the FDA from 1995 to 2001 was as director of the Office of Surveillance and Biometrics in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Prior to joining the FDA, he served at the National Cancer Institute from 1984 to 1995 as chief of the Applied Research Branch.
School of Public Health Dean Patricia Wahl said, “Larry Kessler brings outstanding leadership experience to the department. He also is a superb mentor and welcomes collaboration. He will be an effective bridge builder with our partner institutions.”
Kessler was a visiting scientist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in 2001-02.
His research has concentrated on applications of quantitative methods and health services research to problems in surveillance and public health. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as numerous book chapters and government reports. Kessler received his Sc.D. from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Kessler succeeds William Dowling, who stepped down as chair of the Department of Health Services at the end of December 2008, after holding the position since 1994. He was first appointed to the faculty in 1974, directing the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program until 1981.
During Dowling’s tenure as chair the department strengthened a number of its offerings and developed a successful health services Ph.D. program. The MHA program consistently ties for fourth place among health management programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Kessler notes, “This department has an outstanding history of accomplishment in health services and health policy research on which to build a solid future.”
