UCSD Director of Hospitals and Clinics Michael R. Stringer accepts new position
Michael R. Stringer, director of hospitals and clinics at UCSD, has announced that he is moving to a new position with the University of California Office of the President, effective May 1. He will report to Vice President for Clinical Services Development William Gurtner, working on a number of special projects involving all five of the UC health sciences campuses.
"One of the hallmarks of Mike's leadership during his many years at 
     UCSD has been his deep commitment to the health of the San Diego 
     community," said UCSD Chancellor Marjorie Caserio. "During his 
     distinguished career, Mike Stringer has played a leading role in 
     transforming the former County hospital into the premier academic 
     medical center that it is today.  We will continue to benefit from his 
     vision and experience in his new role with the UC system." "Over the years that we have worked together, I have developed a 
     great respect for Mike Stringer as an administrator, and for his 
     dedication to the programs and institution he has helped build," said John F. Alksne, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at UCSD. "He has championed many important services that benefit all San 
     Diegans." Stringer played a major role in the development of many UCSD Medical Center specialty and critical care programs such as the Regional Burn Center, Infant Special Care Center and comprehensive organ transplant program, as well as regional services such as the Life Flight helicopter service and the Poison Information Center. He also was instrumental in obtaining the Medical Center's Level 1 Trauma Center designation. In his new role, Stringer will assist the Vice President in a number of special projects, focusing on the serious indigent care issues facing the UC hospitals, developing partnerships between the university and the private sector to advance community health, and exploring opportunities for joint purchasing on behalf of the system. In addition to UCSD, the University of California has health sciences campuses at UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Davis and UC San Francisco.
"I am very proud of the hospitals and health care system that we 
     have developed,  and feel privileged to have worked with the many 
     talented individuals who have come together through UCSD's health 
     sciences enterprise," said Stringer. "Although our system faces many 
     challenges, I am confident that UCSD will continue to fulfill its 
     vital role in our community, based on its strong foundation of 
     excellence, and the high quality of its physicians, staff and 
     programs.  Many positive steps are being taken to meet the pressing 
     demand for a restructured, integrated system of physician practices 
     and hospitals.  I  look forward to making a contribution to UCSD's 
     future as I turn my attention toward our UC academic health care 
     system."
Stringer is recognized as being among the first nationally to understand the need for academic health centers to expand their clinical activities beyond the traditional hospital settings. Through his efforts, the UCSD Healthcare Network has been created as a partnership between the university and several community-based physician practices and hospitals working together as a county-wide health care system.
"Each one of our medical campuses is undergoing significant change 
     to adapt to the continuously evolving health care industry," said Gurtner. "We are fortunate to have someone with Mike Stringer's 
     background, experience and proven success in his field to assist us 
     with some of the projects we are undertaking to help maintain the 
     excellence of the University of California's clinical programs."
Alksne said that while recruitment is under way for a new chief administrator for the hospitals, an interim director will be named.
A San Diegan most of his life, Stringer began his career at UCSD in 1967 in a part-time capacity while a student. Since earning undergraduate and graduate degrees at San Diego State University, Stringer has held several positions at UCSD Medical Center, and has been director since 1984. He is responsible for management of UCSD Medical Center--Hillcrest, The John M. and Sally B. Thornton Hospital in La Jolla, and UCSD's hospital-based ambulatory care and ancillary services.