William D. Odell, MD, PhD

Chair, Department of Internal Medicine, 1980-1996

During the 16 years he served as Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, William D. Odell, MD, PhD increased the number of faculty, residents and fellows through his support of enhanced research and training programs and strengthened collaborative partnerships.

Dr. Odell received a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and completed medical school at the University of Chicago. He received his PhD from George Washington University in 1965, while also working at the National Institutes of Health.

In 1966, Dr. Odell started a research and training program in endocrinology at Harbor General Hospital, affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles. He had a notable academic and clinical career, and in 1972 he was named Chair of the Department of Medicine at Harbor General Hospital.

In 1980, Dr. Odell was selected as Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he continued to teach endocrinology to first-year medical students and never stopped working directly with patients.

Dr. Odell published more than 350 scientific articles and book chapters, and trained more than 50 postdoctoral fellows. He was honored with the Western Society of Clinical Investigation’s highest award for his contributions, was elected to the Association of American Physicians, and was also awarded Mastership by the American College of Physicians.