Jan. 3, 2024

Dear Colleagues: 

David T. Burke, MD, MA, Professor and Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, has informed me of his decision to step down as chair of the department and take a sabbatical to focus on critical global health collaborations. I fully support Dr. Burke’s plan to pursue this important work.  

Dr. Burke became professor and chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in October 2007. Prior to that, he was a founding member of the Harvard Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation where he served to create and direct the residency training program. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of the global monthly publication, Bones and Brain in Review, and is officially recognized by the World Health Organization, the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and several other national societies. Dr. Burke is Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, coordinating with other Centres on the 2030 agenda to address the needs of the medically marginalized.

Dr. Burke has served as chair of the department for nearly 17 years and is known as an avid supporter of his team members, colleagues, and students. I wish him the best in this new chapter as he applies decades of expertise in musculoskeletal and neurological recovery to improving the care of underserved populations around the world.

Dr. Burke’s sabbatical centering on global health, longevity, and collaborative care began on January 1, 2024, and will continue through August 31, 2024. In collaboration with Ravi Thadhani, Joon Lee, and SOM leadership, an interim chair for the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine will be announced soon.

Join me in wishing Dr. Burke continued success in this important endeavor.

Carlos

Carlos del Rio, MD

Interim Dean, Emory University School of Medicine
Interim Chief Academic Officer, Emory Healthcare
Leon L. Haley, Jr. MD Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine