UK HealthCare

Zwischenberger Named First Surgeon-in-Chief

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2010) Dr. Joseph B. Zwischenberger, the Johnston-Wright Professor of Surgery and chairman of the department of surgery, was named UK HealthCare's first surgeon-in-chief on Wednesday, Oct. 20. As the senior surgical leader, Zwischenberger will ensure that the surgical departments deliver high quality, safe and efficient care and meet the expectations of patients and their families.

“Dr. Zwischenberger's appointment is a reflection of UK HealthCare's comittment to providing high-quality care and cutting-edge services to the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Dr. Richard P. Lofgren, vice president for Healthcare Operations and chief clinical officer for UK HealthCare.  “I am confident that under his direction our surgical services will continue to provide the advanced subspecialty care that allows Kentuckians to stay close to home for the care they need.” 

Zwischenberger will also chair the new Surgical Chairs Executive Committee and serve on the UK HealthCare Executive Committee and the OR Executive Committee.

The creation of the Surgical Chairs Executive Committee will help to establish professional standards for surgical services across the enterprise. Founding members of the Surgical Chairs Executive Committee include the chairs of surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology, OB/GYN and oral maxillofacial surgery. Additional members can be chosen at the discretion of the founding members.

The committee will establish priorities regarding people, programs, facilities and equipment; identify areas needing improvement; address performance issues; develop strategic plans regarding priorities related to recruits and new programs (including outreach) in support of the missions and priorities of UK HealthCare; and advise senior leadership regarding all issues affecting UK Healthcare surgical services.

The committee also will ensure that surgical services fulfill the academic, educational and research missions of the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare.

The surgeon-in-chief and the Surgical Chairs Executive Committee will report to the vice president for healthcare operations. The new committee will be accountable to the UK HealthCare Executive and Medical Staff Executive committees. As surgeon-in-chief, Zwischenberger will be accountable to the chief medical officer and the chief administrative officers of Chandler and Good Samaritan hospitals.