Dr. Paul N. Staats, MD Named Chair of Pathology
Will serve as Chief of Pathology Service at UM Medical Center, Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UM Medical System, and President of the University of Maryland Pathology Associates, PA
BALTIMORE / Dr. Paul N. Staats, MD, a distinguished expert in cytopathology and gynecologic pathology, has been appointed Chair of the Department of Pathology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). His new role commenced on September 29, following an interim period that started in February when Dr. Sanford A. Stass stepped down from the position.
In his permanent position, Dr. Staats will manage a department consisting of 35 faculty members, 16 residents, and three fellows. They deliver clinical services to various institutions, including the University of Maryland Medical Center (Downtown and Midtown Campus), UM Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute, and UM Shore Regional Health. Furthermore, he will concurrently act as Chief of the Pathology Service at University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), in addition to being President of the University of Maryland Pathology Associates, PA, overseeing community faculty practices and independent clinical laboratories.
Dr. Staats will also serve as the Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), coordinating pathology services across 12 hospitals and over 150 clinical locations.
"Since joining our faculty, Dr. Staats has initiated several projects aimed at modernizing our clinical and anatomical pathology capabilities while promoting the development of future practitioners and researchers," stated Dr. Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. "His dedication to enhancing diagnostic practices and implementing innovative solutions in patient care makes him ideally suited to advance the Department of Pathology's core missions: research, education, clinical excellence, and community service."
"Dr. Staats is taking on this vital leadership role during an exciting time for UMMS, UMSOM, and the field of pathology," commented Dr. Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO of UMMS. "His skill in building strong clinical and research collaborations will propel us forward in delivering excellent diagnostic services, setting the stage for new clinical practices and discoveries."
Dr. Staats is recognized for his significant contributions, enhancing UMMC's reputation nationally in clinical innovation according to Dr. Bert W. O'Malley, MD, President and CEO of UMMC. "Having a top-tier investigator and committed educator leading our team will bolster our development of emerging pathology technologies and accelerate advancements in patient care. Dr. Staats embodies the leadership necessary to fulfill this vision."
Academic Background and Leadership
Dr. Staats earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Yale University and his MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University. He completed his training in anatomical and clinical pathology, cytopathology, and gynecologic pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School before becoming an Assistant Professor of Pathology at UMSOM in 2009.
Prior to his interim chair position, Dr. Staats held several vital roles, including director of anatomic pathology operations, director of cytopathology, and director of the cytopathology fellowship program at UMMC. His work has focused on enhancing laboratory efficiency and integrating pathology services across different hospital campuses. He has also significantly revamped electronic medical record systems and redesigned the anatomical pathology workflow at UMMC.
During his tenure as Interim Chair, Dr. Staats forged partnerships with UM Pathology Associates and expanded outpatient laboratory services. His leadership has strengthened financial operations and boosted departmental efficiencies. He also takes on the vital role of Medical Director for the UMMS Epic Beaker laboratory system transition project.
Research Contributions
Dr. Staats is a prominent scholar with 56 peer-reviewed publications and 12 book chapters to his name. Focused on enhancing diagnostic practices, his research investigates the morphological criteria for malignancy identification and aims to elevate laboratory quality and efficiency practices.
He is a part of the Hormone Responsive Cancers Program within the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, collaborating with various researchers to innovate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for cancers, particularly breast, gynecologic, and prostate cancers.
Professional Recognition
Dr. Staats has held various leadership roles including past president of the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology and current chair of the Fellowship Directors Committee where he is working to nationalize pathology fellowship recruitment. Additionally, he serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology and the International Journal of Gynecologic Pathology.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Staats has received the Harlan I. Firminger, M.D. Faculty Teaching Prize in Pathology twice and was honored as Best Attending Pathologist Teacher by residents, reflecting his commitment to teaching and mentorship. Recently, he was awarded the Margaret Grimes Distinguished Achievement Award in Graduate Medical Education for his pivotal work on pathology fellowship matching.
"Having spent my career at the University of Maryland, I owe much to the mentorship I've received and the supportive environment here. I am thrilled to give back in these leadership roles and guide the Department of Pathology towards new heights in our academic mission," commented Dr. Staats.
"I am excited about my role as UMMS Chief of Pathology. Collaborating closely with the University and the Medical System is vital for advancing our patient care standards," Dr. Staats added.
About the University of Maryland School of Medicine
The University of Maryland School of Medicine, founded in 1807, stands as the first public medical school in the U.S. Today, it is recognized as one of the most rapidly growing biomedical research institutions globally with nearly $500 million in research funding. With a rich roster of over 3,000 faculty members and 46 departments, centers, and institutes, it excels in managing critical health challenges like obesity, cancer, and heart disease. Recently ranked #12 among public medical schools, the School is at the forefront of new AI and health computing initiatives and collaborates with the University of Maryland BioPark to spearhead innovations in medical technology and bioengineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Paul N. Staats, MD?
Dr. Paul N. Staats is a nationally recognized expert in cytopathology and gynecologic pathology, appointed as Chair of Pathology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
What roles will Dr. Staats undertake as Chair?
He will oversee the Department of Pathology, serve as Chief of the Pathology Service at UM Medical Center, and coordinate pathology services across the UM Medical System.
What are Dr. Staats's objectives in his new role?
His primary objectives include improving diagnostic practices and fostering innovation to enhance clinical and research collaborations.
What academic background does Dr. Staats have?
Dr. Staats holds a BS from Yale University and an MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University, with advanced training from renowned institutions.
Why is the University of Maryland School of Medicine notable?
It is the first public medical school in the U.S., known for its significant research contributions and efforts to address critical health challenges.
