Derek Abbott, MD, PhD, Begins New Role as Chair of Immunology and Genomic Medicine at National Jewish Health


DENVER - National Jewish Health is pleased to announce that Derek Abbott, MD, PhD, has joined the organization as the Cecil and Ida Green Chair of the Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine. Following a national search, Dr. Abbott was selected for this prestigious leadership position and began his tenure in July 2025.

Dr. Abbott comes to National Jewish Health from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, where he served as the Arline H. and Curtis Garvin Professor of Medicine in the Department of Pathology since 2006. He previously served as Director of the CWRU Medical Scientist Training Program, bringing with him a wealth of experience in research, education and leadership.

“I am honored to take on this leadership role at National Jewish Health,” said Dr. Abbott. “I look forward to building on the department’s legacy of discovery science and advancing research that improves the lives of patients worldwide.”

Dr. Abbott is recognized for his work at the intersection of genetics and immunology, with a strong track record of high-impact publications. His lab focuses on mapping nodal points in inflammatory and autoimmune disease using genetic data to guide drug development and improve therapeutic outcomes.

“Dr. Abbott is a highly respected researcher within the fields of immunology and genomic medicine. He brings tremendous experience, knowledge and collaborative leadership, and we are excited to have him lead this key area of our institution,” said Michael Salem, MD, CEO and president of National Jewish Health.

Dr. Abbott completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia in 1993 and earned his MD and PhD in Cell Biology from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program. He continued his training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Harvard Medical School), where he focused on integrating immunology and genetics to identify new therapeutic targets — a mission that continues in his current research.

“National Jewish Health has always been a leader in medical innovation and care. We look forward to Dr. Abbott’s expertise and contributions as we continue to lead in the field of immunology,” said Gregory Downey, MD, executive vice president, Academic Affairs & Provost at National Jewish Health.

Dr. Abbott succeeds Philippa Marrack, PhD, FRS, who has been a key researcher at National Jewish Health for more than 45 years and led the Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine for the past 15 years. A world-renowned immunologist, Dr. Marrack has made foundational discoveries that have contributed to immune-based therapies, transforming treatment for cancer, autoimmune conditions and infectious diseases. Dr. Marrack’s professional recognitions are numerous, including being elected to the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, and receiving the 2015 Wolf Prize in Medicine along with her husband and research partner, John Kappler, PhD.

“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Marrack’s lasting impact in the field of medicine and for our organization. Her career, spanning more than 50 years, has impacted lives throughout the world, as well as those of us who have had the privilege to work with and learn from her,” said Dr. Salem.
 

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. To learn more, visit the media resources page.


We have many faculty members, from bench scientists to clinicians, who can speak on almost any aspect of respiratory, immune, cardiac and gastrointestinal disease as well as lung cancer and basic immunology.

Our team is available to arrange interviews, discuss events and story ideas.

Make an Appointment