Dr. William Lafferty named UMKC Hicklin Chair in Medicine Renowned researcher and educator will lead efforts in Department of Medicine

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine has announced the appointment of William Lafferty, M.D., as the Merl and Muriel Hicklin Missouri Endowed Chair in Medicine. Dr. Lafferty comes to UMKC from the University of Washington, where he most recently served as professor and director of the Health Care & Population Health Research Track and MN/MPH Program, Department of Health Services, School of Public Health & Community Medicine in Seattle, WA.

A specialist in internal medicine with infectious disease subspecialty training, Dr. Lafferty’s research interests include managed care, health care finance and access to care. Dr. Lafferty stated in his University of Washington Website: “I believe that there are enormous opportunities to improve health. Most are based on ameliorating social problems such as poverty, racism, and violence. The greatest value from medical practice will come when all people have equal access to high quality primary care.”

“Dr. Lafferty brings with him an impressive background and diverse experience as both an accomplished researcher and committed educator,” said Betty M. Drees, dean of the UMKC School of Medicine. “His appointment will further enhance the School of Medicine’s mission to educate the next generation of physicians and pursue research that translates new discoveries into improved health outcomes in the community.”

Dr. Lafferty earned both his bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Kansas, followed by his internship and residency at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque. After completing his residency, Dr. Lafferty served as office director for the Washington State HIV/AIDS epidemiology office from 1985-1993. He then became Medical Director of the Broadway STD Clinic for the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health, remaining in that position until joining the faculty at the University of Washington in 1996.

Dr. Lafferty’s research has been widely published, appearing in numerous prestigious journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, American Journal of Public Health and American Journal of Infectious Diseases. He has contributed his expertise and served on numerous panels and advisory groups for institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the RAND Corporation and he is a frequent presenter at scientific meetings and conferences.

In his capacity as the Hicklin Chair at UMKC, Dr. Lafferty will conduct and promote outcomes research for the Department of Medicine; mentor faculty in the department to build upon and enhance research; collaborate with other hospitals, schools inside and outside UMKC, local public health agencies, and others to promote interdisciplinary and inter-agency research; work with various community agencies to promote research that addresses the health needs of underserved populations in the region; and collaborate with other schools within UMKC.

“The Department of Medicine at UMKC is building its outcomes research program targeting the improvement of health care in traditionally disadvantaged populations,” said George Reisz, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. “Dr. Bill Lafferty will lead the Department in this effort. He brings demonstrated expertise, enthusiasm and leadership to this endeavor. UMKC and the community will benefit greatly from his work.”

About the UMKC School of Medicine

The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine was founded in 1971 as an innovative six-year medical program. From its combined baccalaureate/doctor of medicine curriculum to a docent system that emphasizes small group learning, the UMKC School of Medicine has remained a trendsetter in medical education.

About UMKC

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Celebrating 75 years, UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.


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