Dr. Richard Turnage, CEO of UAMS Medical Center and vice chancellor for clinical programs for UAMS
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences on Friday named Dr. Richard Turnage CEO of UAMS Medical Center and vice chancellor for clinical programs for UAMS.
He starts Dec. 1 and replaces Dr. Roxane Townsend, who left UAMS Sept. 30.
Turnage currently serves as UAMS’ chief service line officer for the Integrated Clinical Enterprise, executive associate dean for clinical services in the College of Medicine and professor in the college’s Department of Surgery, according to a news release from UAMS.
He joined UAMS as chairman of the Department of Surgery in 2008, coming to the university from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport where he was professor of surgery, professor of physiology and medical director of the physician assistant program.
“After conducting a national search, it was clear to me and those on the search committee that Richard’s clinical and academic background makes him the ideal candidate to be the next vice chancellor for clinical programs and hospital CEO,” said UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn in the news release. “Since coming to UAMS, Richard has held multiple leadership positions. I have appreciated his leadership style and his willingness to do whatever he can for the betterment of UAMS and the state of Arkansas.”
In April, Townsend said she was resigning on Sept. 30 to move to North Carolina.
Steppe Mette, chief clinical officer of the Integrated Clinical Enterprise, has been serving as interim vice chancellor and CEO since Townsend left.
Turnage said that being named vice chancellor and CEO of the hospital is the “greatest honor of my life. I have had great professional relationships with the chancellor, leadership and staff at UAMS and look forward to continuing those as we work together to meet the challenges and explore the opportunities ahead.”
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