Mahdavinia to lead new Allergy and Immunology Division
The Department of Internal Medicine has announced that Mahboobeh (Maha) Mahdavinia, MD, PhD, professor and John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Distinguished Chair, has joined McGovern Medical School as the Division Director for the newly established Allergy and Immunology Division, effective June 1.
“Our new division has been founded with a vision of excellence in academia,” Mahdavinia said. “We take pride in being a patient-first, inclusive, and synergistic team of healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, advocates, and supportive colleagues. As the founding chief, leading this remarkable team is my distinct privilege.”
Mahdavinia and her team of five physicians also opened the newly created outpatient clinic for Allergy and Immunology at the UT Professional Building on Aug. 1, 2024.
“Honoring the legacy of Kathrine G. McGovern and her husband, John P. McGovern, MD, by revitalizing the Division of Allergy and Immunology within the Department of Internal Medicine is a fitting tribute,” said David McPherson, MD, FACP, FACC, FAHA, professor and James T. and Nancy B. Willerson Chair, and Francine J. and Frederick M. Pevow, MD, Chair in the Department of Internal Medicine. “Dr. McGovern’s renowned Allergy Clinic was celebrated across the Greater Houston Area and Texas for its exceptional care in allergy and immunology, benefiting countless Texans.
“The establishment of the McGovern Chair in Internal Medicine stands as a significant testament to the McGoverns’ enduring support of McGovern Medical School. This initiative not only perpetuates their impactful contributions but also ensures continued excellence in medical education and patient care within the field of allergy and immunology.”
Mahdavinia comes to McGovern Medical School from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where she made significant contributions as a physician-scientist running a large research team in the field of Allergy and Immunology and as chief of the Allergy/Immunology Division.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Mahdavinia join UTHealth Houston to expand this critical service,” said Mary Aitken, MD, MPH, FAAP, professor and Dan L. Duncan Distinguished University Chair in Pediatrics. “Dr. Mahdavinia’s clinical expertise, combined with her strong academic track record, makes her ideally equipped to build Allergy and Immunology across the lifespan. She is already applying her considerable energy and skills to grow the clinical service, establish a broader research platform, and establish a subspecialty fellowship. I am excited to partner with her!”
Mahdavinia is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with a background in clinical practice, research, education, and leadership. She holds a PhD in molecular epidemiology and has developed a distinguished career focusing on the immunology of allergic diseases. Her research is renowned for exploring the interactive roles of diet, environment, and microbiome in allergic conditions. This work has been pivotal in advancing the understanding of food allergy and chronic rhinosinusitis, contributing to over 100 publications.
At Rush University, Mahdavinia directed the Center for Sinusitis, Asthma, and Allergies and led multiple national and international collaborations, including significant cohort projects like FORWARD and the SAFFA, and the PERSIAN birth cohort. Her research has attracted funding from prestigious bodies such as the NIH, FARE, and the Brinson Foundation.
In addition to her research and clinical expertise, Mahdavinia is a committed educator and mentor, guiding numerous trainees at various stages of their careers. She has held several esteemed positions in national and regional organizations, including the chair of study sections for Department of Defense research grants, the presidency of the Illinois Allergy Society, and significant roles within the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.
“This is an exciting era for allergy/immunology, marked by rapid advancements in our understanding of the molecular and epidemiological underpinnings of immunological disorders,” Mahdavinia said. “We are at the forefront of the field, utilizing increasingly sophisticated diagnostic and treatment modalities including cutting-edge biologic therapies and groundbreaking immunotherapies.”