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Rutgers appoints Vikas Dharnidharka as pediatrics chair
Dharnidharka holds a medical degree from Topiwala National Medical College, Bombay University, and a master's in public health from the University of Florida.
Vikas Dharnidharka / Image- Rutgers
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School has appointed Indian American pediatric nephrologist and transplant specialist, Vikas Dharnidharka as the new chair of its pediatrics department.
Dharnidharka will also serve as the physician-in-chief at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He joins Rutgers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he held multiple leadership positions, including chief of the division of pediatric nephrology, hypertension, and apheresis.
A recognized leader in pediatric kidney disease and organ transplantation, Dharnidharka has been a key figure in clinical and translational research, with his work consistently funded by the National Institutes of Health over the past two decades.
"Dr. Dharnidharka's appointment marks a new chapter for our pediatrics department," said Amy P. Murtha, dean of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. "His expertise in clinical care and research will significantly enhance our ability to provide exceptional healthcare to children in New Jersey and beyond."
In his new role, Dharnidharka will oversee a range of clinical and academic initiatives aimed at advancing pediatric healthcare. He is known for his research on post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, BK virus nephropathy, and the broader implications of organ transplantation. His contributions to the field include hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters.
Dharnidharka expressed enthusiasm about his new position, stating, "I am honored to join Rutgers and RWJBarnabas Health at this exciting time. We aim to elevate the Pediatrics Department to national prominence and expand our research and clinical capabilities."
The appointment aligns with Rutgers' broader vision to enhance its academic health system and improve healthcare outcomes across New Jersey. Dharnidharka's leadership is expected to foster stronger collaborations with various institutions, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute and the Child Health Institute of New Jersey, to expand pediatric services and research opportunities.
Fernando Ferrer, chief pediatric officer at RWJBarnabas Health, welcomed Dharnidharka's arrival, noting, "His world-renowned expertise in pediatric nephrology and transplantation will be invaluable in advancing our mission to provide top-tier healthcare for children."
Dharnidharka holds a medical degree from Topiwala National Medical College, Bombay University, and a master's in public health from the University of Florida. He completed his pediatric residency at BYL Nair Hospital and Topiwala National Medical College, followed by further training at the Children's Hospital of Michigan and Wayne State University. He also completed a fellowship in pediatric nephrology at Children’s Hospital (Boston) and Harvard Medical School.
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