Leaning back in his chair, arms on the back of his head, Chairman of the Department of Medicine Andrew Schafer exudes calmness -- surprising considering the many responsibilities he has acquired since taking on his multifaceted position.
In addition to his position as department chairman, Schafer -- who is also a University alumnus -- serves on the editorial boards for several medical journals, is a member of many medical societies and associations, and loves eating out and going to Penn basketball and football games with his wife.
Although he thoroughly enjoys Morimoto and Cuba Libre, "I'm still looking for a really good Chinese restaurant in Philadelphia," Schafer chuckles.
But for the moment, this search may have to be put on the back burner as Schafer strives to fulfill his goals for the department.
He is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the functions of the enormous Department of Medicine. These functions include research, education and patient care.
The Department of Medicine is the biggest of the 28 departments of the University Health System and is itself divided into 13 divisions, according to the department's Web site.
"This should be the best Department of Medicine in the country," Schafer states. He added that although it is "outstanding" now, it is not yet what he envisions.
One of his biggest goals for the department includes integrating research initiatives.
By bringing together researchers from different fields and departments, Schafer and others hope to accelerate and broaden medical discovery through this collaboration.
"Interdisciplinary teams will be essential," Schafer says, adding that he will "serve as a matchmaker" for these researchers.
Although hired 18 months ago, Schafer says that already, the "attitude of cooperation and interdisciplinary work has really accelerated."
"There hasn't been a quantum leap yet," Schafer adds, but he seems confident that his plans will work.
And his preliminary efforts have not gone unnoticed by others in the Health System.
Rebecca Harmon, the chief public relations officer for the Health System, says that Schafer has been a "strong proponent to make sure that there is collaboration between departments."
She also notes that since Schafer's arrival, there have been many "great ideas that he has been implementing."
Despite his accomplishments for the Department of Medicine, Schafer feels that his "most gratifying work" is in mentoring and teaching medical students and residents.
Before coming to Penn from Baylor University -- where he held the same position -- Schafer concentrated in research of platelet and vascular cell biology, according to the Department of Medicine Web site. Receiving his M.D. from Penn's School of Medicine, he says that returning has been "a bit of a homecoming."
