Endowed Chairs
Kimberly A. Boland, MD
Billy F. Andrews, MD Endowed Chair in Pediatrics
School of Medicine - Established 1981
The Billy F. Andrews, MD Endowed Chair in Pediatrics honors Dr. Andrews, a pioneer in neonatology and former Chair of the Department. This Chair supports the Department's mission to provide high-quality clinical care, educate future pediatricians, advance research and advocate for children’s health.
Under Dr. Kimberly Boland’s leadership, the Department has expanded access to care by hiring over 20 new faculty members. Investments in Quality Improvement programs have resulted in 145 ongoing projects aimed at enhancing care.
Dr. Boland has also strengthened the Department’s research efforts through the Pediatric Research Institute (PRI) and Norton Children’s Research Institute (NCRI). PRI has seen growth in both funding and consistent core support. NCRI, a collaboration with Norton Children’s, has boosted federal funding and improved national rankings for pediatric research. The Department continues to expand its research portfolio in areas like Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Neonatal Care.
New fellowships in Pediatric Hospital Medicine and Pediatric Cardiology have enriched educational opportunities. The International Child Health division, led by a new Division Chief, has resumed trips to Tamale, Ghana, collaborating to improve child health and providing valuable global experiences for faculty and residents.
Additionally, a Vice Chair for Advocacy was added to focus on strengthening advocacy for children and promoting community engagement within the Department. This initiative emphasizes the role of pediatricians in advocacy and community health.
Past Chairs:
Charles Woods, MD
Gerard Rabalis, MD
Larry Cook, MD
Yi Tan, PhD
Carol B. McFerran Chair in Juvenile Diabetes Research
School of Medicine - Established 1998
The McFerran fund was created by the McFerran family in memory of their daughter, who died of childhood diabetes. Its purpose is to support patient care and research to battle the disease. Dr. Yi Tan holds the Carol B. McFerran Chair in Pediatric Diabetes Research at the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. A key aspect of his role is maintaining significant extramural funding, with an annual goal of securing more than $150,000 in peer-reviewed national funding. These funds support cutting-edge research focused on pediatric diabetes and its associated challenges.
Dr. Tan actively collaborates with other University of Louisville faculty and researchers from peer institutions, serving as project director, co-investigator, or in a significant role within multi-investigator grants. His work contributes to advancing the scientific understanding of pediatric diabetes, focusing on innovative solutions to improve care and treatment options for children living with the condition.
As a renowned researcher, Dr. Tan is also committed to educating and mentoring the next generation of scientists. He provides support to trainees, guiding them in their research endeavors and encouraging them to pursue grants that further the advancement of pediatric diabetes research.
In addition to his research and mentorship roles, Dr. Tan is dedicated to disseminating his findings. He consistently publishes major-authored articles in high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of pediatric diabetes. Through his work, Dr. Tan continues to drive both clinical and scientific advancements in pediatric diabetes care, positioning the University of Louisville at the forefront of diabetes research.
Past Chairs: Paul Epstein, PhD
Lu Cai, MD, PhD
Children's hospital Foundation Chair for Pediatric Research
School of Medicine - Established 1999
Dr. Lu Cai holds the Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair for Pediatric Research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where he is instrumental in advancing research in pediatric healthcare. A key expectation of his role is to maintain substantial extramural funding, securing more than $150,000 in annual peer-reviewed national funding. This supports Dr. Cai’s ongoing research efforts, which focus on improving pediatric health outcomes through innovative scientific discoveries.
Dr. Cai collaborates extensively with fellow researchers at the University of Louisville and beyond, often serving as project director or co-investigator in multi-investigator grants. His research efforts are typically centered around understanding and addressing pediatric diseases, advancing both clinical practices and theoretical knowledge in the field.
In addition to his own research, Dr. Cai is deeply committed to fostering the development of the next generation of scientists. He actively supports trainees, helping them to secure grants and providing mentorship to guide their research projects. His dedication to training ensures that his work has a lasting impact on the field of pediatric research.
Dr. Cai’s scholarly contributions are evidenced by his consistent publication of major-authored articles in high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals. His research not only advances scientific knowledge but also helps shape the future of pediatric care and treatment. Through his leadership, collaboration and academic output, Dr. Cai plays a pivotal role in establishing the University of Louisville as a leader in pediatric research.
Michael Ferguson, MD
Dr. Salvatore & Kathy Bertolone Endowaed Chair
School of Medicine - Established 2012
Dr. Michael Ferguson holds the Salvatore and Kathy Bertolone Endowed Chair in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the University of Louisville. His leadership drives the growth of both the clinical and academic components of the division. Dr. Ferguson is committed to expanding clinical program offerings to meet the needs of children with cancer and blood disorders, while also fostering academic excellence within the field.
A key aspect of Dr. Ferguson’s role is building and maintaining a robust research program. He aims to secure a minimum of one grant award as principal investigator per review period, with funding sourced from local, philanthropic, state, or federal channels. His research contributions result in an average of one publication or presentation annually, advancing both clinical care and scientific understanding in pediatric hematology-oncology.
In addition to his research and clinical expertise, Dr. Ferguson plays a vital role in the education of medical students, residents and fellows. He provides guidance in both clinical and research settings, helping to shape the next generation of pediatric hematology-oncology specialists.
Dr. Ferguson also works closely with community organizations, promoting the care of children with hematologic and oncologic conditions. His involvement extends beyond local initiatives, as he actively engages with regional, national and international professional societies in pediatric hematology-oncology and bone marrow transplant, serving in leadership roles to influence the direction of the field. His work significantly advances the mission of the division and improves the care and outcomes for children with these complex conditions.
Kyle B. Brothers, MD, PhD
Endowed Chair in Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research
School of Medicine - Established 2017
Dr. Kyle Brothers, the Endowed Chair in Pediatric Clinical Translational Research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, is a dedicated clinician, educator and researcher committed to advancing pediatric care. He consistently secures over $50,000 annually in extramural funding from national sources, which supports his research in pediatric clinical translational science. Dr. Brothers plays a key role in multi-investigator grants, collaborating with both University of Louisville faculty and peers from other institutions.
In addition to his research, Dr. Brothers maintains a strong academic presence, publishing at least two major-authored articles annually in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. His work focuses on translating scientific research into clinical practice to improve pediatric care.
Dr. Brothers also mentors trainees, helping to develop the next generation of pediatric researchers. His leadership and contributions are central to the Department of Pediatrics’ efforts to improve child health outcomes through innovative research.
Coming Soon...
Endowed Chair in Allergy & Immunology
School of Medicine - Established 2005
Jackson Williams, MD
Humana Chair in International Pediatrics
School of Medicine - Established 2005
Dr. Jackson Williams, as the Humana Chair in International Pediatrics at the University of Louisville, spearheads initiatives to advance global health education and improve pediatric care both domestically and internationally. His role involves fostering partnerships that build educational and clinical collaborations, enriching learning experiences for medical students, residents, fellows and faculty, while also enhancing healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. Through these partnerships, Dr. Williams has been instrumental in providing learners with invaluable global health perspectives, preparing them to address diverse healthcare challenges.
Dr. Williams leads the department’s global health educational programs, ensuring engagement across all levels of training. His initiatives emphasize practical experiences, cultural competence and a broadened understanding of health issues impacting children worldwide. His leadership in these programs strengthens the department’s reputation as a hub for global health education, attracting trainees and faculty interested in international healthcare.
Committed to academic contribution, Dr. Williams maintains steady scholarly output, presenting or publishing at least one study or educational project each year on a regional, national, or international platform. His work not only shares insights from international collaborations but also raises awareness of the unique challenges and innovative solutions in global pediatric healthcare. Additionally, Dr. Williams actively works to expand the division's funding, securing at least one new source of support every three to five years to sustain and grow the reach of the global health programs. His efforts continue to elevate the department’s impact on pediatric healthcare worldwide, driving positive change through collaborative education and improved clinical practices.
Past Appointment: George C. Rodgers, Jr., MD, PhD
Sara Watson, MD
Jack Henderson Endowed Chair of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
School of Medicine - Established 2018
The Jack Henderson Endowed Chair of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute at the University of Louisville. Created in honor of Jack Henderson, the father of Wendy Henderson Novak, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 1 and was one of the first patients to receive insulin treatments.
As Endowed Chair, Dr. Sara Watson works closely with the Institute's Executive Director. She oversees and supports clinical, educational and research initiatives both within Louisville and at outreach sites beyond the metro area. Her leadership extends to enhancing diabetes care and endocrinology specialty services, where she ensures that faculty and staff have the resources and support needed to deliver top-quality care.
Dr. Watson is also actively involved in training the next generation of pediatric endocrinologists, providing mentorship for medical students, residents and fellows. She encourages scholarly activities among trainees and provides educational presentations to foster a deep understanding of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes management.
In addition to her clinical and educational roles, Dr. Watson contributes significantly to the field's research endeavors. She participates as a project director or investigator in collaborative efforts with other University of Louisville faculty to secure funding that advances clinical and educational projects in endocrinology and diabetes. Her commitment to academic productivity is evident through her consistent publication of peer-reviewed articles and presentations in the field of endocrinology or diabetes. Dr. Watson’s work helps drive innovation in pediatric endocrinology while expanding access to comprehensive diabetes care across Kentucky and beyond.
Melissa Currie, MD
Kosair Charities Chair in Pediatric Forensic Medicine
School of Medicine - Established 2004
As the Kosair for Kids Endowed Chair in Pediatric Forensic Medicine at the University of Louisville, Dr. Melissa Currie leads a dedicated team advocating for children who are victims of abuse. Dr. Currie’s work is instrumental at both state and regional levels, providing clinical care and collaborating with legal and child welfare systems to ensure child safety. Her team, comprising physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and administrative staff, evaluates approximately 1,500 suspected cases of child maltreatment annually from across Kentucky. They recently opened their first outpatient clinic and are recognized as a Center of Excellence in Child Maltreatment.
Dr. Currie and her team provide thorough medical assessments, make immediate recommendations to other medical providers and investigators and prepare comprehensive reports for use in legal proceedings by child protective services, law enforcement and other stakeholders. In her advocacy role, Dr. Currie regularly provides expert testimony in both family and criminal court, averaging three subpoenas per week and testifying 1-2 times weekly.
An essential aspect of Dr. Currie’s work involves educating future pediatric professionals on recognizing and documenting child maltreatment. Additionally, she trains community stakeholders, including healthcare providers, judges, law enforcement and childcare professionals, to improve recognition and advocacy for maltreated children. Dr. Currie also contributes to research and innovation in pediatric forensic medicine, maintaining the University of Louisville’s position as a national leader in this field.
William T. Tse, MD, PhD
Norton Children's Pediatric Oncology Endowed Chair
School of Medicine - Established 2004
The Norton Children’s Pediatric Oncology Endowed Chair at the University of Louisville School of Medicine is a prestigious role dedicated to advancing pediatric oncology research, training and clinical excellence. Led by Dr. William T. Tse is responsible for securing a minimum of $50,000 in external funding annually through federal, state, or relevant foundation sources, which sustains and expands research initiatives. Dr. Tse also serves as a Principal Investigator on at least one funded project or grant each year, underscoring a commitment to leading impactful research that contributes to advancements in pediatric oncology.
Additionally, Dr. Tse publishes major-authored articles each year in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals or equivalent media, showcasing significant findings and innovations in pediatric cancer research. Through this publishing, Dr. Tse’s work reaches a broad audience within the medical and scientific communities, supporting the dissemination of new knowledge and approaches to treatment.
Dr. Tse is a mentor for trainees and staff through grant funding, fostering a learning environment that encourages professional growth and skill development in research. This support system strengthens the center’s capacity for innovation and promotes a pipeline of future pediatric oncology researchers and healthcare providers. Through these efforts, the Norton Children’s Pediatric Oncology Endowed Chair plays a pivotal role in enhancing research, education and clinical care within pediatric oncology.
Lisal Folsom, MD
Philip Sandlin Transition in Care Endowed Chair
School of Medicine - Established 2024
As the Sandlin Transition in Care Endowed Chair, Dr. Lisal Folsom leads the Transition to Adult Diabetes (TAD) Program at the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute (WNDI). This role includes developing and updating clinical protocols, overseeing quality control for diabetes transitions and advancing educational programs for transitioning diabetes care. Dr. Folsom partners with educational institutions to support patients as they move into secondary and higher education and directs student, resident and fellow training related to transitions in diabetes care.
In research, Dr. Folsom supports studies on transitional diabetes care, measures outcomes through data analysis and pursues funding from various sources. Her work ensures academic productivity with regular presentations or publications.
Joining the University of Louisville in 2017, Dr. Folsom designed the TAD Program and now serves as its Clinical Lead and as Medical Director for Adult Diabetes – Endocrinology. She also contributes to the Norton Healthcare Diabetes Continuum of Care Committee, helping streamline transitions from pediatric to adult care.
Dr. Folsom’s vision focuses on supporting patients through all life stages, from education to retirement, fostering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that empowers individuals to thrive beyond their health conditions. By building community partnerships, enhancing health equity and promoting innovative research, she seeks to transform diabetes and endocrine care across all life transitions.
Gregory Barnes, MD, PhD
Spafford Ackerly Endowed Chair in Child Psychiatry
School of Medicine - Established 2019
The Spafford Ackerly Endowed Chair at the University of Louisville School of Medicine leads strategic initiatives for the Autism Center, focusing on enhancing care, research and education in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Gregory Barnes collaborates closely with the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, Norton Children’s Medical Group and the School of Medicine’s Dean to create and implement a Strategic Plan that guides the center's mission. Key responsibilities include advancing national leadership and innovation in ASD care, providing comprehensive medical, therapeutic and psychosocial support to families.
Dr. Barnes also coordinates partnerships across local, regional, state and national levels to improve family support, advance ASD research and refine diagnostic and treatment approaches. Through active recruitment and mentoring, Dr. Barnes builds a team of skilled faculty and staff to deliver on the center’s clinical and research goals. In collaboration with leaders at the University of Louisville and Norton Healthcare, Dr. Barnes strengthens clinical and research programs and fosters educational opportunities to train future ASD healthcare providers.
Representing the center at various levels, Dr. Barnes engages in projects and initiatives that drive clinical innovation, enhance ASD research and provide high-quality clinical training, establishing the center as a vital contributor to ASD advancements on a national and international stage.
Kupper A. Wintergerst, MD
Wendy L. Novak Endowed Chair in Pediatric Diabetes Care and Clinical Research
School of Medicine - Established 2013
The Wendy L. Novak Endowed Chair of Pediatric Diabetes Care and Clinical Research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine provides essential leadership in diabetes care, research and education. In this role, Dr. Kupper Wintergerst oversees the Wendy L. Novak Diabetes Care Center, guiding clinical, educational and research programs focused on diabetes management and prevention. The chair directs the development of clinical protocols, annually revising inpatient and outpatient diabetes curricula for patients and families and ensuring the quality of care through regular performance reviews.
To enhance both patient and provider education, Dr. Wintergerst oversees specialized training for hospital and outpatient staff, including departments such as surgery, anesthesiology and critical care, advancing integrated services across all diabetes-related diseases. An active community engagement program led by Dr. Wintergerst also delivers diabetes awareness education to a minimum of five schools each year, empowering students with diabetes to manage their health in educational settings.
Furthering the center’s reach, Dr. Wintergerst implements telemedicine and community expansion strategies to broaden access to diabetes care beyond metro Louisville, targeting areas in Kentucky and Indiana. As a research leader, Dr. Wintergerst participates in multi-center studies such as TrialNet, collaborates on diabetes research grants and utilizes electronic health record systems to boost patient recruitment for studies. Finally, Dr. Wintergerst oversees training for medical students, residents and fellows, promoting excellence in pediatric diabetes care and supporting a sustainable future in diabetes research through extramural funding efforts.