Melina Kibbe, MD

Since 2021, Melina Kibbe, MD, has been serving as the Dean of the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, the James Carroll Flippin Professor of Medical Science, and the Chief Health Affairs Officer at UVA Health. In these roles, Dr. Kibbe has been instrumental in advancing UVA’s mission to improve healthcare through innovative education, impactful research, and world-class patient care. She has focused on fostering a collaborative environment, integrating cutting-edge scientific discoveries with clinical practice, and ensuring students and healthcare providers excel in their fields.

In addition to her leadership at UVA, Dr. Kibbe is the Editor-in-Chief of JAMA Surgery, a premier journal in the surgical field. Under her leadership, the journal has continued to thrive, providing valuable insights into surgical research and practice. Dr. Kibbe’s work in the medical field has earned her recognition, including her election to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in healthcare. Additionally, she has received 24 awards for teaching excellence, reflecting her dedication to education and mentorship.

Dr. Kibbe co-founded VesselTek BioMedical, LLC, a company focused on developing medical devices for vascular diseases. While her direct clinical practice is more limited today, she remains actively involved in research. She leads a laboratory that develops novel drug-eluting therapies for vascular diseases, with funding from several national agencies. Her ongoing study contributes to advancements in treating vascular conditions, focusing on improving patient outcomes.

Under Dr. Kibbe’s leadership, UVA’s School of Medicine has seen significant growth. Research funding has increased to $274 million, and the school’s endowment has grown to $1.7 billion. She has also overseen the recruitment of 550 new faculty members, strengthening the institution’s ability to provide exceptional care and foster an environment of academic excellence. These efforts have enhanced UVA’s reputation as a medical education and healthcare delivery leader.

Before joining UVA, Dr. Kibbe was the Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where she made history as the first woman to hold that position. At UNC, she led efforts to increase research funding, expand clinical services, and introduce new residency programs. Dr. Kibbe also served on the faculty at Northwestern University, receiving numerous accolades, including the Tripartite Legacy Faculty Prize for her research, teaching, and leadership excellence.