PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), the state’s leading academic health center, has named Shereef Elnahal, MD, as its president-select, signaling a pivotal moment in the institution’s leadership transition. The formal confirmation of Dr. Elnahal is scheduled for a vote by the OHSU board of directors at a meeting slated for June 27, 2025. The announcement was made by Chad Paulson, chair of the OHSU board of directors, highlighting the board’s intended direction for the university’s future.
Dr. Elnahal brings a depth of experience from significant leadership roles within large, complex healthcare systems. Most recently, he served as the chief executive officer of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive medical services to over 9 million veterans across a vast network of 170 medical centers and numerous outpatient sites. Leading an organization of this scale involves navigating immense operational complexities, resource allocation challenges, and the delivery of high-quality care to a diverse population with unique health needs. His tenure at the VHA provided him with direct experience in managing a nationwide system, implementing strategic initiatives, and working within the federal healthcare landscape.
Prior to his role at the VHA, Dr. Elnahal also held the position of president and CEO of University Hospital in Newark. This institution serves as the primary academic medical center for Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. His leadership there involved overseeing clinical operations, academic affiliations, and the tripartite mission of a major university hospital: patient care, medical education, and research. This blend of experience in both large, public healthcare systems and academic medical centers is seen as particularly relevant to OHSU’s structure and mission, which encompasses a university, a hospital, and a network of clinics dedicated to advancing health through healing, teaching, and discovery.
Endorsement and Vision for OHSU’s Future
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed strong support for Dr. Elnahal’s selection, emphasizing his suitability to lead OHSU. Governor Kotek stated that Dr. Elnahal possesses the necessary experience and accomplishments to guide OHSU effectively into the future. Her endorsement highlighted the critical areas where she believes his leadership will be impactful: healthcare delivery, medical education, and cutting-edge research. OHSU plays a vital role in Oregon’s health ecosystem, serving as a referral center for complex cases, training the next generation of healthcare professionals, and driving scientific innovation. Dr. Elnahal’s background appears well-aligned with these multifaceted responsibilities.
A Rigorous Selection Process
The process leading to Dr. Elnahal’s selection involved a comprehensive and deliberative search. A dedicated search committee comprising 25 members was tasked with identifying candidates. The committee’s composition reflected a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives within the OHSU community and beyond, including doctors, nurses, and scientists, among other stakeholders. This diverse group undertook the responsibility of evaluating potential leaders who could navigate the complexities of a major academic health center, ensuring a thorough review of qualifications and vision for the university’s strategic direction.
Addressing Critical Challenges: Insights from Leadership
Dr. Elnahal’s engagement with significant challenges facing healthcare systems is further underscored by his academic contributions. He recently co-authored a study examining burnout within the Veterans Health Administration. This research provided valuable insights into the well-being of healthcare professionals within a large system. The study indicated that while there had been some improvement in certain areas, burnout levels among VHA staff remained elevated compared to pre-pandemic figures. His willingness to study and publish on critical workforce issues like burnout demonstrates an awareness of the human factors essential to a functioning healthcare system and suggests a leader attuned to the well-being of the medical staff and researchers crucial to OHSU’s success.
Looking Ahead
The potential confirmation of Dr. Shereef Elnahal as OHSU’s next president marks a significant development for the institution. With the board’s vote scheduled for June 27, 2025, the university anticipates potentially welcoming a leader with extensive experience in managing large, complex healthcare and academic environments. His background in both the VHA and a major academic hospital, coupled with insights into critical workforce issues, positions him to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing OHSU as it seeks to advance its mission in healthcare, education, and research for the state of Oregon and beyond.
