Decades of leadership in endocrinology fellowship training
1940s – Dr. Edwin B. Astwood
Dr. Astwood became the first Chief of the Division of Endocrinology. He led groundbreaking research, including the introduction of medications for hyperthyroidism, the isolation and preparation of ACTH for clinical use, and the purification of human growth hormone. These discoveries led to the first effective treatment for pituitary dwarfism.
1972 – Dr. Seymour Reichlin
A world-renowned leader in neuroendocrinology, Dr. Reichlin succeeded Dr. Astwood. His team developed the first radioimmunoassay for thyrotropin-releasing hormone and helped define the sequences of pre-pro somatostatin and pre-pro thyrotropin-releasing hormone. His work advanced our understanding of the role the immune system plays in neuroendocrine regulation. He also led progress in the evaluation and treatment of hyperprolactinemia and early diagnosis and treatment of MEN II syndrome. During this time, the construction of the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging next to Tufts Medical Center further strengthened the division’s research in lipid metabolism, calcium metabolism and obesity.
1990 – Dr. A.E. Boyd, III
Dr. Boyd brought deep expertise in diabetes and molecular biology. Under his leadership, the Division entered a period of rapid growth. To support its expanding faculty and research programs, the Division moved into a newly renovated, 15,000-square-foot research facility adjacent to the hospital.
1995 – Dr. Ronald M. Lechan
After Dr. Boyd’s passing, Dr. Lechan—who had been a faculty member since 1981—was appointed Chief. He launched specialized programs in hypothalamic and pituitary disease and adrenal neoplasia, earning Tufts Medical Center designation as a Clinical Center for Pheochromocytoma-Paraganglioma by the Pheo-Para Alliance. He expanded community clinical care by opening satellite centers in Quincy and Norfolk. Dr. Lechan also founded and nurtured the Friedman Fellowship Program in Diabetes and Metabolism, supported by the Dr. Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman NY Foundation for Medical Research. He served as Fellowship Program Director from 1995 to 2022.
2020 – Dr. Anastassios G. Pittas
A faculty member since 2000 and the first Friedman Fellow (2000–2002), Dr. Pittas became Chief in December 2020. He was named Fellowship Program Director in 2022. Under his leadership, the program continues to grow through academic excellence, strong community partnerships and dedicated faculty development. Today, the program remains rooted in its core values—clinical rigor, intellectual curiosity and humanistic care—while evolving to meet the needs of a changing healthcare landscape.
