Retirement honor: James Stein, MD
The Department of Medicine (DOM) is proud to honor James Stein, MD, Robert Turell Professor of Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Medicine, who will retire on November 14, 2026.
"Dr. Stein is a local and national leader in preventive cardiology, a highly regarded educator, and an outstanding researcher who has brought more than $50M in federal funding during his 30-year tenure at UW," says Mohamed Hamdan, MD, MBA, division chief and Mildred and Marv Conney Chair in Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medicine.
Dr. Stein completed his doctor of medicine (MD) at Yale University, his residency in internal medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center, and a fellowship in cardiology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago.
He joined the DOM faculty in 1996.
Lynn Schnapp, MD, George R. and Elaine Love Professor and department chair, notes: "As inaugural Vice Chair for Faculty Development, Jim built new processes to ensure that our faculty have the guidance and support they need to succeed and advance in their careers. He also developed innovative faculty development programs that have become models for other departments across the SMPH. His work has truly transformed how we support and invest in our faculty."
"On a personal note, Jim has been a trusted advisor, sounding board, and steadfast supporter throughout my time as chair. I have greatly valued his wisdom, thoughtful counsel, and, most importantly, his friendship. Our department is stronger because of Jim’s many contributions, and I am personally grateful to have had the opportunity to work so closely with him. He will be greatly missed!"
Read Dr. Stein's own reflections in the Q&A below.
What do you consider your most significant accomplishments during your time in the department?
Starting the UW Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program (UW AIRP), which has sustained continuous federal funding for more than 25 years and has helped launch the careers of so many trainees and colleagues.
Also, serving as the inaugural Department of Medicine Vice Chair for Faculty Development and creating processes and programs to help ensure that DOM faculty are well supported as they seek career advancement and promotion, regardless of their track or subspecialty.
What these two efforts have in common is their beneficial effect on others through science, mentorship, and career development, with the goal of serving our patients, trainees, and colleagues.
What have been the most personally gratifying aspects of your work?
Throughout my career, I have been guided by the conviction that nothing is more important than people. For those of us in clinical medicine, that begins with our patients. It has been gratifying to care for my patients and to collaborate with my extraordinary UW colleagues.
My colleagues also have been my friends and have supported me through the unexpected turns that come with a life in medicine and in life itself. I always will be grateful for them.
Any particularly fond memories?
My fondest memories are learning from truly exceptional leaders: Dr. Jeffrey Grossman and Dr. Craig January, who hired me; Dr. Pamela Douglas, who taught me that leadership primarily is service and requires self-sacrifice; and Dr. Mohamed Hamdan and Dr. Lynn Schnapp, whose vision and trust helped me become the best, most impactful version of myself.
What are you looking forward to in retirement?
More time with my wife, kids, and dogs. More time traveling. More time exercising. More time sitting still, being mindful, and learning who I am other than "Dr. Stein."
