The 2026 standing committee election results are in and three pediatrics faculty members have won places on school committees!
Matt Laughon, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Pediatrics Vice Chair for Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, was elected to the UNC School of Medicine Committee to Review Appointments and Promotions to Full Professor (Tenured). Dr. Laughon has been a faculty member since 2004. He earned his medical degree at the University of Virginia, and completed his pediatric residency, neonatal-perinatal fellowship, and masters in public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The UNC School of Medicine Committee to Review Appointments and Promotions to Full Professor (Tenured) is part of the School of Medicine’s Office of Faculty Affairs’. This standing committees reviews initial appointments and promotions to the rank of Full Professor with tenure. This standing committee, often requiring members to be Full Professors, assesses faculty qualifications, academic, and professional performance for the highest faculty rank. . The committee reviews dossiers submitted by departments, assessing the candidate’s national reputation, research productivity, teaching, and clinical service. Reviews focus on sustained excellence, leadership in the field, and academic contributions since the last promotion. Recommendations are passed to the Dean of the School of Medicine and subsequently to the Provost and Board of Trustees for final approval.
Marsha Russell, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases, was elected to the UNC School of Medicine Admissions committee. Dr. Russell has been a faculty member since 2020. She earned her medical degree at the University of the West Indes, completed her pediatric residency at Yale, and her fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Pittsburgh.
The UNC School of Medicine Admissions Committee evaluates and selects applicants for the MD program, focusing on service-driven individuals with strong academics and a genuine, resilient journey. Led by the Associate Dean and a dedicated team, the committee utilizes a holistic review, with a preference for North Carolina residents and a strong emphasis on community impact.
Emily Vander Schaaf, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, was elected to the UNC School of Medicine Education Committee. Dr. Vander Schaaf has been a faculty member since 2016. She completed her medical degree, residency, primary care research fellowship, and masters degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The UNC School of Medicine Education Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the medical student curriculum. The committee meets monthly to oversee the entirety of the medical curriculum.