Leadership Announcement in the Department of Neurology

After over 12 years of exceptional leadership, Richard J. O’Brien, MD, PhD, Disque D. Deane University Distinguished Professor of Neurology, will step down as chair of the Department of Neurology on December 31, 2026. Dr. O’Brien will continue his service on the faculty, supporting the school’s academic, research, and clinical missions.

Since becoming chair in 2014, Dr. O’Brien has led the department through a period of remarkable growth, innovation, and scientific achievement. During his tenure, the department has experienced an extraordinary expansion of its clinical footprint, broadening access to neurological care across the region and strengthening its subspecialty depth. Dr. O’Brien strengthened and formalized numerous clinical centers of excellence, including programs in Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, ALS, myasthenia gravis, and cavernous malformations. 

The department’s research enterprise has also flourished. NIH funding has grown from less than $1 million in direct funding to $14 million annually, supporting high-impact discovery science aligned with our clinical strengths. Signature accomplishments include establishment of an NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, creation of new brain recovery and neuromodulation laboratories, and securing a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative award to develop a research center of excellence in Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. 

Dr. O’Brien’s own scholarly contributions span foundational work in synaptic physiology, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease, reflected in a substantial body of peer‑reviewed publications and leadership roles in major national research consortia. His impact as a mentor, educator, and physician‑scientist is evident in the many trainees, collaborators, and faculty members whose careers have been shaped by his guidance.

Beginning this spring, we will launch a national search for the next chair of the Department of Neurology, led by Anthony Viera, MD, MPH, chair of the Department of Family Medicine & Community Health.

Please join us in expressing our deep appreciation to Dr. O’Brien for his outstanding leadership and service. We look forward to his continued contributions to Duke and to the field of neurology.

Sincerely,

Mary E. Klotman, MD
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Duke University;
Dean, Duke University School of Medicine;
Chief Academic Officer, Duke Health

Thomas A. Owens, MD
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer, 
Duke University Health System