William Altemeier receives Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Disease Research

Dr. William Altemeier, professor (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine) has been recently appointed as the Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Disease Research.

Altemeier completed his medical degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and postgraduate training in internal medicine and pulmonary/critical care medicine at the University of Washington. He serves in multiple leadership roles, including director of the Center for Lung Biology, chair of the division’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and UW Faculty Senator.

As the director of the Center for Lung Biology, Altemeier leads and cultivates a collaborative and productive environment within the South Lake Union Campus. The center includes seven independently funded principal investigators from three departments within the School of Medicine. His thoughtful and selfless leadership facilitates and helps synergize the collective science and funding among the group. 

He has created a flourishing space and culture in which mentorship is woven into the fabric of the division with his authentic approach of humanism. His efforts are in large part responsible for the success of the division in terms of achieving scientific excellence and promoting professional career fulfillment of those he has directly and even more indirectly mentored.