SE Valley Times

Arizona State University has announced the appointment of Sarah Hollingsworth "Holly" Lisanby as the founding dean of its new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering. Lisanby, an esteemed psychiatrist and innovator in neuromodulation technologies, will assume her role on May 1.

Lisanby is a professor emeritus at Duke University and director of the Division of Translational Research at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She brings extensive experience in research and academic leadership to ASU.

"Dr. Lisanby brings the professional experience, the mindset and the energy to lead the new kind of medical school that we are creating at Arizona State University," said Nancy Gonzales, Executive Vice President and University Provost. "Her skill set and her work in the convergence of psychiatry, neuroscience and engineering is a perfect match for what we seek to do with ASU’s School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering."

During her tenure at NIMH, Lisanby managed a research portfolio worth approximately $400 million. She also co-led a team within the NIH BRAIN Initiative. Before joining NIH, she was the first woman to chair Duke University's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

"The best way to anticipate the future is to create it," Lisanby stated. "My vision for the ASU School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering is to become the top-ranked producer of physician leaders who will transform the face of medical practice and optimize health for all Arizonans."

The new school will be located in downtown Phoenix with HonorHealth as its primary clinical affiliate. It aims to produce physicians skilled in integrating medicine, engineering, technology, and humanities. Students will use tools like AI and data science to enhance patient care.

HonorHealth will provide training experiences across hospitals in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and nearby areas. The curriculum will focus on innovation, problem-solving, empathy, health systems thinking, and comfort with new medical devices.

"I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisanby as the founding dean," said Sherine Gabriel, Executive Vice President of ASU Health. "With a distinguished record of leadership at both NIH and Duke University... Dr. Lisanby is uniquely poised to lead this pioneering medical school."

At Duke University, Lisanby identified opportunities for synergy across research programs while tackling operational challenges. At NIH, she founded a lab specializing in brain stimulation tools for mental health improvement.

"The field of engineering gives us a range of tools that are already incorporated into medical practice today," noted Lisanby. "Tomorrow’s physicians need to not only master today’s medical devices but also those of the future."

Lisanby's accolades include awards from various prestigious organizations such as Brain & Behavior Research Foundation and American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.

Pending accreditation approval, ASU's School of Medicine plans to enroll students later this year with classes starting in fall 2026.