A Position Transition for Allan Schwartz, MD

Dear Colleagues,

We write to share that Allan Schwartz, MD, the Harold Ames Hatch Professor of Medicine and Seymour Milstein Professor of Cardiology (in Medicine), has informed us that he will step down from his role as chief of the Division of Cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center within a year. We are very grateful that Dr. Schwartz will continue to serve as division chief and as vice chair in the Department of Medicine while we conduct a national search for his successor.

Over his 26-year tenure as chief, Dr. Schwartz has shaped both the scope of cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian/CUIMC and its character. His leadership has been grounded in a consistent focus on people—recruiting and developing exceptional faculty and staff, building teams across disciplines and departments, and creating an environment in which collaboration is both expected and valued.

Under Dr. Schwartz's leadership, the Division of Cardiology has expanded its clinical reach across New York City and the surrounding region; strengthened its national and international presence in clinical and basic research and education; and deepened its relationships with colleagues across the medical center, hospital, and the broader University. These partnerships have resulted in pioneering breakthroughs like the TAVR procedure, the first medical treatment for cardiac amyloidosis, and cutting-edge AI screening techniques; world-leading clinical programs like the Structural Heart and Valve Center, the Women’s Heart Center, the Adult Congenital Heart Center, and the Center for Advanced Cardiac Care; and, in collaboration with the Department of Surgery, the development of Columbia Heartsource, a consulting and management service that raises the quality of cardiac care at partner hospitals around the globe.

These and many other accomplishments are a testament to Dr. Schwartz’s belief that sustained excellence comes from investing in others and giving them room to lead. As he prepares to move on from his current role, the resources, infrastructure, and culture he built ensure that the Division will continue to thrive as we move forward.

We thank Dr. Christine Garcia, chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, who will chair the search committee to identify a successor who can build on Dr. Schwartz’s remarkable legacy. We will provide more details about the timeline and composition of the search committee.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Schwartz for his outstanding service to the Division of Cardiology and to our institutions.

Sincerely,

Ali Gharavi, MD
Chair, Department of Medicine
Physician-in-Chief, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center 

Katrina Armstrong, MD
Dean, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Executive Vice President for Health and Biomedical Sciences, Columbia University
Chief Executive Officer, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Brian Donley, MD
President and Chief Executive Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian