Gerald Hladik, MD, the Doc J. Thurston Distinguished Professor of Medicine, has been appointed Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs in the University of North Carolina Department of Medicine. In this role, Dr. Hladik is committed to advancing faculty careers and fostering a supportive, nurturing culture.
“Nothing brings me more joy than witnessing the evolution of someone’s career over time,” said Dr. Hladik. “It is a real privilege to be able to play a small part in facilitating their success and career advancement.”
As Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs, Dr. Hladik will focus on supporting faculty in their career advancement through promotion, mentorship, team-building initiatives, and efforts to combat burnout. He is particularly passionate about refining the appointment and promotion processes to ensure they are as effective and seamless as possible for all faculty members.
“We also aim to highlight and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our faculty,” Dr. Hladik added. “This includes showcasing their work in Medicine Grand Rounds or nominating deserving faculty for prestigious awards within the School of Medicine, healthcare system, and the broader university.”
Dr. Hladik brings a wealth of experience to this role. Previously, he served as the Education Director for Maintenance of Certification for the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), where he co-edited the Nephrology Self-Assessment Program, a leading continuing education resource for ASN members.
Prior to his appointment as Vice Chair, Dr. Hladik served as Chief of the UNC Division of Nephrology and Hypertension for ten years. Under his leadership, the division saw significant growth in both clinical and research programs. Notable developments include the expansion of multidisciplinary clinics, such as the Amyloidosis Clinic, the Glomerular Disease and Vasculitis Program, the UNC Kidney Stone Clinic, and the UNC Kidney Transplant Program.
“We expanded our research portfolio to include new areas of patient-centered outcomes, dialysis, and vascular biology, alongside our world-renowned research in autoimmune disease, vasculitis, and glomerular disease,” Dr. Hladik noted.
“I am also incredibly proud of the educational programs we’ve built, from our award-winning undergraduate medical education courses to our exceptional nephrology fellowships and the NC KUH TRIO research training program. All these accomplishments are thanks to the tireless work of our faculty.”
The position of Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs was previously held by Lee Berkowitz, MD, Eunice Bernhard Distinguished Professor of Medicine, who retired in December 2024. Dr. Berkowitz’s decades of service have left an indelible mark on the department, and his contributions will continue to shape the future of the institution.