UTMC looks to dynamic future, names Scarborough permanent leader

March 1, 2011 | News, UToday
By Jon Strunk



Scarborough

Scarborough

With the ongoing transformation of the UT Medical Center well under way, the University announced that Dr. Scott Scarborough will permanently assume leadership of the hospital, pending approval by the UT Board of Trustees.

Scarborough, senior vice president and executive director of UTMC, was appointed on an interim basis to the position last May.

University President Lloyd Jacobs said a new day is dawning at UT Medical Center, and Scarborough’s leadership is instrumental.

“Scott is a gifted strategist and is one of the smartest people with whom I’ve worked. In a short period of time, he has made changes that will benefit UTMC for years to come,” Jacobs said.

UT Health Science Chancellor Jeffrey Gold said it was “Scott’s passion for the job” and his ability to “get things done” that led him to offer Scarborough the critically important permanent position. “As the UT health-care delivery system continues to grow in size, quality and national recognition, it is vital to have strong and thoughtful leadership of the UTMC enterprise.”

“I’m very excited to continue the progress UTMC has made over the last 10 months,” Scarborough said. “It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to get to know and lead the great team of UTMC professionals who dedicate themselves every day to providing university-quality care for their patients. I believe UTMC’s future is getting brighter every day.”

Scarborough said his priorities are to continue the delivery of outstanding patient care, improve the patient’s overall experience, and reposition UTMC in the market as the elite university hospital for the region’s sickest patients.

“We’ve created a great deal of momentum,” said Scarborough, noting the nationally recognized patient outcomes, the enhanced focus on the overall patient experience, and the March 8 opening of the new Intensive Care Unit.

University trustees in March also will consider final approval of $25 million in renovations and medical technology investments.

“We have the best physicians in the region, but we need patients and their families to see a state-of-the-art hospital and experience great customer service when they come to UTMC,” Scarborough said.

Reactions from UT physicians to Scarborough’s permanent appointment are positive.

Dr. Kris Brickman, medical director of emergency services, said he appreciates what Scarborough has accomplished in such a short period of time.

UT Physicians President Lee Woldenberg said, “In this challenging health-care environment, Scott is not afraid to make the decisions necessary to keep us moving forward. He is a great communicator, is available, and listens as well as innovates. It is exciting to work with him.”

Scarborough joined UT in 2007 from DePaul University. Prior to that, he worked for the University of Texas System for 10 years. He holds an accounting degree from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a PhD in strategic management from the University of Texas at Arlington.

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