FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2003
Contact: Joan Shnipper jshnipper@umm.edu 410-328-6776
Ellen Beth Levitt eblevitt@umm.edu 410-328-8919

ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES ANNOUNCED AT UM MEDICAL CENTER

Schimpff steps down as CEO, assumes new role; Ashworth new CEO

Morton I. Rapoport, M.D., president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System, announced today that Stephen C. Schimpff, M.D., chief executive officer of the University of Maryland Medical Center, will step down on March 31 and take on new responsibilities as executive vice president. John W. Ashworth III, currently the Medical Center's chief operating officer, will become the new chief executive officer.

In his new role, Dr. Schimpff will focus on a variety of initiatives, including patient safety, emergency preparedness and new technologies. He will also assist with fundraising and serve as an advisor to the Greenebaum Cancer Center.

"Although it has been exciting, empowering and enriching to lead such a fine academic institution, I have decided, at the age of 61, to focus on a few areas of special interest. My new full-time role will enable me to continue to be of service in a way that is challenging and stimulating," says Dr. Schimpff.

"Over the years, Steve has established an impressive record of achievement in creating high quality clinical programs, championing technological advances, and implementing capital improvements. After many years of distinguished service, and in keeping with his commitment to creating value, it is not surprising that Steve has decided to devote his attention to these important special areas of interest," says Dr. Rapoport.

When Dr. Schimpff became CEO of the Medical Center in 1999, he established a strong executive management team with John W. Ashworth III as chief operating officer. Ashworth is best known for his role over more than two decades in developing and leading Maryland's world-renowned Shock Trauma Center. Prior to becoming COO of the Medical Center, Ashworth served as director of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for 17 years. He has also been executive vice president of the University of Maryland Medical System and has served as senior vice president for Strategic Planning.

"John Ashworth and I have worked together for more than 20 years. During that time, he has been an important partner in the development of our Shock Trauma Center and as our Medical Center's chief operating officer. I am confident that the Medical Center's tremendous progress will continue in John's hands," says Dr. Rapoport.

John Erickson, chairman of the University of Maryland Medical System Board of Directors, says, "Steve Schimpff has contributed to the success of the Medical Center for a long time. We will miss his involvement as CEO, but we are glad he will stay on to help with some very vital initiatives. We are fortunate to have an experienced executive like John Ashworth within our own organization to assume the important role of CEO for the Medical Center."

The Medical Center reached many important milestones under Dr. Schimpff's leadership. It has developed the country's largest kidney transplant program and is known for pioneering work in cardiac care and in neurocare. The Greenebaum Cancer Center also is recognized for its cutting edge patient care and research, to name a few examples.

Dr. Schimpff has been CEO of the Medical Center since a corporate reorganization in 1999, when the University of Maryland Medical System grew to become a six-hospital system. From 1985 to 1999, he was the Medical System's executive vice president and chief operating officer. In 1982, Dr. Schimpff, who is also an oncologist, became the first director of the newly created University of Maryland Cancer Center. Prior to that, he was head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

In addition to his leadership of the Shock Trauma Center, John Ashworth, has held numerous national leadership posts, including chairman of the Hospital Council of the American Trauma Society and president of the American Trauma Society. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Virginia and an MHA degree from George Washington University. He is a faculty member at UMBC in the Department of Emergency Medical Services, and at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

"My goal is to continue the important initiatives that are already underway, including enhancing our many excellent clinical programs, strengthening our workforce and further developing our organizational culture with a focus on diversity, so that we will be the hospital of choice for patient care and employment in the region," says Ashworth.

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