INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana University School of Medicine has named Douglas K. Graham, MD, PhD, as chair of the Department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief at Riley Children’s Health. He will assume the role effective Aug. 1, 2026.
Graham is a professor at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga., and currently serves as chief of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where he also leads the division of pediatric hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant. In this role, he has overseen one of the nation’s largest pediatric hematology/oncology programs, driving growth in faculty, clinical services and research programs.
A physician-scientist specializing in pediatric leukemia and cancer therapeutics, Graham leads an NIH-funded research laboratory focused on identifying and advancing novel drug targets, with discoveries that have progress into early-phase clinical trials.
"Dr. Graham is an exceptional physician-scientist and leader whose experience building large-scale clinical and research programs will be transformative for pediatrics at IU School of Medicine and Riley Children’s Health," said Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, dean of the IU School of Medicine and executive vice president for university clinical affairs at IU.
His appointment comes as IU School of Medicine continues to build on strong national research momentum. The school received more than $230 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health in 2025, ranking 15th among public medical schools, with the Department of Pediatrics ranked sixth nationally in NIH funding.
Graham earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Wake Forest University and his MD and PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed residency and fellowship training in pediatric hematology/oncology at the University of Colorado before joining the faculty and later being recruited to Emory University.
"I am honored to join the IU School of Medicine and Riley Children's Health and build on a strong foundation already in place," said Graham. "I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and learners to advance innovative research, expand clinical programs and deliver the best possible care to children and families."
Graham succeeds D. Wade Clapp, MD, who has served as chair of the department for nearly two decades. Clapp will remain in his role as the inaugural senior associate dean for entrepreneurial research and commercialization for the IU School of Medicine.
About the Indiana University School of Medicine
The IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability. According to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, the IU School of Medicine ranks No. 15 in 2025 National Institutes of Health funding among all public medical schools in the country.
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