William (Bill) Basco, MD, has been named chair of the Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine – Chattanooga at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Pediatrician-in-Chief at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Dr. Basco joins the college from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) where he served as professor of pediatrics and director of the Division of General Pediatrics. He also served as the associate dean for Continuing Medical Education at MUSC.
“It’s an honor to be selected as chair, and I am also honored by the trust placed in me by the faculty, leadership of the College of Medicine, and leadership of Erlanger,” Dr. Basco said.
As chair, Dr. Basco aims to grow the department’s faculty and expand pediatric services in the Chattanooga region. He looks forward to working with pediatricians and leadership in the College of Medicine – Chattanooga and Erlanger. “One of the strengths of the department is that they really have most pediatric specialties represented,” he said. “When I think about the clinical volume and activities they already have and the growth of the Chattanooga area, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get to 100 faculty over the next five to 10 years. So, I think that’s exciting.”
Dr. Basco said he was led to Chattanooga by seeing its growth and the opportunities to meet the needs in the community. “Although there are multiple large pediatric medical centers within two hours, there is such a local need in that growing community,” he said. “I think it’s a really great opportunity for me, the department, and for Erlanger Hospital.”
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