Geeta K. Swamy, a prominent figure in obstetrics and gynecology, has been appointed as the new dean of the Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine at Boston University, with her tenure commencing on January 1, 2027.
Boston, MA – Geeta K. Swamy, an esteemed Indian American obstetrics and gynecology researcher and academic leader, is set to take the helm as the dean of Boston University’s Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine starting January 1, 2027. Swamy’s appointment marks a significant transition for the school, which has been actively working to strengthen its ties with the Boston Medical Center Health System and enhance its research and educational initiatives.
Swamy joins Boston University after a distinguished 22-year career at Duke University School of Medicine, where she held multiple leadership roles, including the Haywood Brown, MD Distinguished Professor of Women’s Health, associate vice president for Research, and executive vice dean for Clinical Sciences and Research Administration. Her extensive background in clinical care, academic research, and administrative leadership positions her as a fitting choice to lead the medical school through a time of growth and transformation.
Professional Background
During her tenure at Duke, Swamy has demonstrated a commitment to advancing women’s health through research and clinical practice. She has directed the Duke Perinatal Research Center and has been involved in overseeing research and clinical operations within the medical school and hospital system. The breadth of her experience includes regulatory oversight and scientific integrity, which will be invaluable assets as she navigates the complexities of her new role.
The Boston University press release noted, “Her experience working across a university, medical school, and health system will be invaluable as our institutions deepen their collaboration and strengthen the connections among research, medical education, and patient care.” This sentiment underscores the critical role Swamy is expected to play in fostering collaboration between the medical school and affiliated health systems.
Advancing Research and Community Health
Swamy’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, which has recently seen significant funding successes. Researchers at the institution have secured millions of dollars in grants for ongoing projects, including funding for the Framingham Heart Study and a grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to support research on underfunded women’s health conditions. This financial support highlights the school’s strengths and its potential for future development under Swamy’s leadership.
Since early 2025, Boston University has been actively revitalizing its partnership with the Boston Medical Center Health System, focusing on breaking down structural barriers to enhance collaboration. Key leaders from both institutions have been working together to identify shared opportunities and develop a unified vision aimed at advancing research, educating future medical professionals, and delivering critical care to underserved communities in Boston.
“Geeta’s extensive experience in aligning hospitals and medical schools will be essential to building a mutually beneficial partnership,” stated the university. This collaborative approach is crucial, particularly as Boston Medical Center serves a diverse patient population, including many from low-income backgrounds.
Leadership Responsibilities
In her role as dean, Swamy will report to both the president and provost of the university, overseeing the medical school’s educational and research missions while supporting faculty, staff, and students. She will collaborate closely with leaders from the Boston Medical Center Health System, including President and CEO Alastair Bell and Chief Physician Anthony Hollenberg, to advance shared priorities and enhance the impact of their collective work.
Reflecting on her new position, Swamy expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to connect the medical school more deeply with the university and its mission. “What inspired me about this role was the opportunity to connect the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine more deeply to the university through interdisciplinary discovery, to Boston Medical Center through our shared mission, and to the communities of Boston through a commitment to improving health for all,” she stated.
Research Contributions and Academic Credentials
Swamy is not only an accomplished administrator but also a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in maternal-fetal medicine. Her research interests include perinatal infection, maternal immunization, and pregnancy complications. She has authored over 200 publications and has led numerous studies funded by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, she serves as an investigator with Duke’s Vaccine and Trials Unit, further solidifying her reputation in the field.
Swamy earned her bachelor’s degree in public health and biostatistics, as well as her medical degree, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Pittsburgh and her fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Duke University, equipping her with a robust foundation for her leadership role at Boston University.
As Boston University prepares for Swamy’s arrival, the institution anticipates her leadership will significantly enhance its capabilities in medical education and research, ultimately benefiting both the university and the broader Boston community.
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