Muilenburg plans to step down as UWMC executive director

Rob Muilenburg, executive director of UWMC since 1978, has announced his plans to relinquish his position for health reasons.

Muilenburg, 59, underwent surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor in March and completed six weeks of radiation therapy last month.

“Although I feel well and the symptoms have not changed since the surgery was completed, it is now apparent to me that I will never again have the stamina to devote the long hours and intense levels of concentration this position demands,” Muilenburg said.

Muilenburg said he plans to continue to serve as executive director of UWMC until his successor has been appointed. He will continue to come into the office on a part-time basis as his health allows.

The day-to-day responsibilities of the executive director’s office have been delegated to Kathleen Sellick, chief operating officer, and Dr. Eric Larson, medical director. Additional direction and assistance are being provided by Helen Shawcroft, associate administrator, and Sharon Altman, assistant to the executive director.

Dr. Paul G. Ramsey, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, has appointed a search committee to begin the process of finding a successor to Muilenburg.

The committee will be chaired by Dr. Paul Robertson, dean of the School of Dentistry. The other members are Dr. William Bremner, chair of the Department of Medicine; Gordon Culp, chair of the Seattle Cancer Alliance board and vice chair of the UW Physicians Network board; Susan Grant, UWMC chief nursing officer; Dr. Carlos Pellegrini, chair of the Department of Surgery; Larry Pinnt, chair of the UW Academic Medical Center board; Johnese Spisso, chief operating officer of Harborview Medical Center; and Dr. Andrew Ziskind, associate vice president for clinical specialty programs and associate dean for clinical affairs of the School of Medicine.

The executive director of UWMC is appointed by the President of the University upon the recommendation of the Dean of the School of Medicine and approval of the UW Academic Medical Center Board.

In a message to the UW Medical Center staff, Muilenburg said, “I wish to again thank everyone for their tremendous outpouring of support.” “The thoughtful cards, letters and e-mails in which you have expressed your concern, caring and commitment have been of tremendous benefit to me and my family.” ¶

Craig Degginger