Kelch appointment extended into 2009

April 20, 2007
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  • umichnews@umich.edu

ANN ARBOR—Dr. Robert P. Kelch will serve as the University of Michigan’s executive vice president for medical affairs and the U-M Health System’s chief executive officer for an additional year beyond his original appointment.

The one-year extension is effective Sept. 15, 2008 to Sept. 14, 2009. The Board of Regents approved the appointment at the April 19 meeting.

“Dr. Robert Kelch has been an outstanding and visionary leader for our Health System,” said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman. “His commitment to strategic planning and excellence in patient care, education and research can be found throughout our hospitals, clinics and laboratories. I welcome another year of working with him in providing exceptional health care leadership to our community.”

Coleman originally appointed Kelch to the position for a five-year term, effective in September 2003.

“I’m pleased with our collective efforts to date, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the important work under way in the Health System,” Kelch said. “We have a solid, creative team in place, and I look forward to keeping the momentum going strong.”

During his tenure, the Health System has experienced unprecedented expansion, with the opening of the Biomedical Science Research Building, the growth of the East Medical Campus and the soon-to-open Cardiovascular Center. He and other members of the leadership have helped pave the way for future growth, including the new C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital facility, and the expansion of the Kellogg Eye Center and development of the Brehm Center for Type I Diabetes Research.

Kelch’s term as EVPMA also has been notable for achievements in a variety of domains, including national recognition, collaborations, strategic planning and quality improvements. These include:

? Continued financial strength of the Health System during a time of uncertainty and vast changes in the health care industry at large; in 2006, the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers finished the year with a 5.5 percent operating margin, completing the 10th straight year in the black.

? Development of the master plan, which maps out a strategy for new buildings totaling about 3 million square feet during the next decade or two, improved parking and transportation options, and environmental stewardship efforts.

? Development of the strategic direction and its seven key principles: integration, collaboration and teamwork; innovation, adaptation and prioritization; growth and investment; taking care of our own; cultural competency; high value and fiscal soundness; and integrity and trust.

? A continuation of the U-M Hospital and Medical School ranking among the best in the country in U.S. News & World Report and other assessments.

? The launch of the national Michigan Difference awareness campaign, which includes a series of popular television, radio and print advertisements featuring the triumphs of U-M caregivers and patients.

? Expansion of the Michigan Quality System, an effort based on the “Lean Thinking” model used in the corporate world.

? The receipt of the largest gift in Health System history, and second-largest in U-M history?a $44 million gift from Bill and Dee Brehm, and the subsequent plans for the Brehm Center for Type 1 Diabetes Research and Analysis.

? Greater collaboration between Health System and other units on the U-M campus.

Coleman noted in her recommendation to the regents to extend Kelch’s appointment, “The depth of experience and wisdom that he brings to this position, and his commitment to the Health System and the University, has greatly benefited both.”