Balke named UK Senior associate dean for clinical research

Dr. C. William Balke has been named University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s senior associate dean for clinical research. The appointment, pending approval by the UK Board of Trustees, was made by UK College of Medicine Dean Dr. Jay A. Perman.

Dr. C. William Balke

In this newly created position, Balke will lead clinical research efforts by collaborating with deans and research deans in all six colleges of the UK Chandler Medical Center.

“We are pleased to have someone of Dr. Balke’s caliber join us at the UK College of Medicine,” Perman said. “Not only is he an excellent researcher, but he possesses the experience and leadership qualities needed to guide UK’s growing clinical research enterprise.”

Balke’s research interests include:
• the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in contraction and relaxation of normal heart muscle and in hypertrophied and failing hearts
• cellular mechanisms responsible for hypertension
• the biophysical properties and physiological functions of a newly described ion channel in cardiac muscle

In addition to his work in the lab, Balke sits on several National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasis panels. He holds positions as associate editor and board member for multiple scientific journals. Balke has been extensively published and has received several honors and awards from the NIH, the American Heart Association, and the American College of Physicians.

Balke officially joined the UK faculty Nov. 1, 2004, and will begin working full-time on campus Jan. 1, 2005.

Allison Elliot