Dear colleagues and friends,

As we learned back in April, John Sauer is in the process of moving to his new role as the Chief Operating Officer for the School of Medicine, which began May 15. We are thrilled that after a decade with the Department of Medicine (DOM), John has been given this important opportunity within the School of Medicine administrative leadership team and we will miss him at the DOM. 

While she joined the Department of Ophthalmology in March 2022, she previously worked in the DOM as the Division Administrator for the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Division Administrator for the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipids.

"I am thrilled to have Zirka Smith return to the DOM.  I have known her since the time she was the administrator for the ID Division and can attest to her dedication to excellence and staunch support for the faculty and all three missions. I look forward to working with her as the DOM Executive Administrator for Academic Affairs and Administration.”

—Carlos del Rio, Chair, Department of Medicine

She also served on the DOM's RYSE council as well as the Emory Eye Center's DEI committee. Prior to her Division Administrator roles, Zirka also served as the Business Manager in DOM administration, where she worked closely with John Sauer. John is thrilled that Zirka will be returning to the department and looks forward to working with her again during this transition and in both their new roles. 

"I’m very excited for Zirka, and she truly deserves this great opportunity.  The DOM is great hands with her stepping into this important role, and from her depth and breadth of experience working in DOM and Ophthalmology, I know Zirka will be dedicated to working hard for the benefit of our DOM leaders, faculty, and staff."

—John Sauer, outgoing Executive Administrator for Academic Affairs and Administration for the Department of Medicine and incoming Chief Operating Officer for the School of Medicine

Since joining Emory and through all of these roles, Zirka has become a valued and respected leader across the institution. Over the past three years in her role as Senior Administrator for the Department of Ophthalmology, Zirka has made a lasting impact. Her work has led to improved staff retention, growth of the education administration team, enhanced clinic operations, exceptional partnership with research recruitment and growth, and a meaningful increase in the department’s sense of belonging. 

Zirka will be transitioning gradually into her new role in the DOM over the next few months. She will remain engaged in key initiatives for the Department of Ophthalmology and the Emory Eye Center during this transition, including the ongoing facilities planning, assisting with key faculty recruitment, and with the recruitment and onboarding of her successor.

Please join me in congratulating Zirka on this well-deserved opportunity and in welcoming her back to the DOM. 

Sincerely,

Carlos del Rio, MD, FIDSA
Chair, Department of Medicine