With Dr. Mark Newman stepping down from the leading healthcare post at UK to take on an advisory role on growth and innovation, it’s up to the university to conduct a new search for a new person to take on that top spot.
UK spokesman Jay Blanton says the university should have no trouble appealing to high-level candidates.
"UK HealthCare is going to be a very attractive place for someone who is outstanding and has a national reputation," he says.
Blanton says the pandemic underscored the university’s critical role not only in continuing to serve as the state’s healthcare leader but also in quickly expanding operations when needed, as it did to deliver testing and vaccinations.
"We showed the ability to be very nimble and have a lot of capacity, and that fully underscores the fact that healthcare in America right now is a very changing and dynamic marketplace," Blanton explained. "We need to continue to grow, but we've got to do it thoughtfully and strategically."
UK President Eli Capilouto has named a search committee. As for when we might see finalists start emerging, expect to see names in the next few months.
