From The President
September 26, 2006, Volume 53, No. 5	Print Issue

Arthur Rubenstein has been Dean of the School of Medicine and Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System (UPHS) since September 13, 2001. His initial term will end on June 30, 2008.  I am delighted to report that Arthur has agreed to continue as Dean/EVP for an additional three years following the end of his initial term in 2008. At the October meeting of the University Trustees, I will present for their approval a formal resolution extending his term through June 30, 2011.

I am also delighted to report that Ralph Muller, CEO of the UPHS, has agreed to continue in his essential leadership role through June 30, 2011.

In recent weeks, I have consulted broadly with Jim Riepe, David Cohen and the Board of Penn Medicine, the Provost, Deans, the Tri-Chairs of the Faculty Senate, and department chairs, center and institute directors, and vice deans throughout the School of Medicine and the Health System. You will not be surprised to learn that there is enthusiastic support for Arthur and Ralph, an enthusiasm shared by the entire Penn leadership team. The continuation of their leadership is important for Penn Medicine’s continued eminence and success.

As you know, deans play many roles in the University: they are leaders and managers of their schools, advocates in the higher councils of the University for the departments and programs under their jurisdiction, and contributors to the discussions of the University’s common affairs and goals. Deans are responsible for building the School’s resource base and managing the complex relationships between the School and its many external constituencies.  In addition, as Executive Vice President, Arthur bears a singular responsibility for the operation of the entire Health System and plays an invaluable role within the senior leadership of the University.  In all these roles, Arthur’s gracious and inclusive style of leadership is recognized as one of Penn Medicine’s and Penn’s great assets.

I want to take this opportunity also to say how pleased I am with the great medical and scientific research, teaching, and clinical practice that have become a hallmark of Penn Medicine. The faculty and leadership of the School of Medicine and the Health System have worked tirelessly and successfully in this effort, of which we all should be very proud.  Both Penn Medicine and the University face great challenges in the years ahead—and even greater opportunities to sustain and enhance Penn’s academic eminence and professional leadership. I am confident that with Arthur’s and Ralph’s continuing leadership, Penn Medicine will meet and exceed those goals.

—Amy Gutmann