M. Hicham Drissi, PhD, MS, has been named the Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Orthopaedics at Emory University School of Medicine and acting Professor of Orthopaedics and Cell Biology. Drissi will lead a new strategic research vision for musculoskeletal and orthopaedic research.

Previously the Director of Orthopaedic Research at the University of Connecticut in Farmington, Conn. from 2008-2016, Drissi focuses is on defining the cellular and molecular pathways that govern skeletal tissue development and repair. His areas of interest provide direct translational applications to orthopaedic problems ranging from osteoarthritis to skeletal dysplasia and fracture healing.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Drissi to our Emory team," says David S. Stephens, MD, interim dean of the School of Medicine. "His renowned contributions and expertise in musuloskeletal and orthopaedic research are greatly valued and will serve as a positive contribution to our latest research efforts.

In his new role as vice chair for research, Drissi will oversee the strategic research vision for the department and the recruitment of new research faculty and other essential employees for its research mission. He has extensive experience mentoring junior faculty, research fellows and laboratory personnel.

The new research mission for the Department of Orthopaedics and the musculoskeletal community at Emory augments the ongoing excellence in the clinical activities in these areas. 

"We could not be more excited to have Dr. Drissi join Emory Orthopaedics," says Scott D. Boden, MD, director of the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center and vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. "His talent, successful track record, mentorship and vision will be a gamechanger for the musculoskeletal community at Emory.  He plans to recruit young research faculty to partner with our clinicians and build bridges with our strong basic science departments to enable an unprecedented level of highly innovative translational research in this field."

Drissi received his bachelor of science in cell biology from the University of Paris XIII, his master of science in cell biology from the University of Paris V, and his doctorate in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Paris V. Prior to his tenure at the University of Connecticut, Drissi was on the faculty at the University of Rochester from 2002-2007.