Dr. Robert Martin, CEO of UPHS, has decided to leave the institution, effective June 30, 2003. "Robert has been the driving force behind the Health System's remarkable recovery from its financial straits of FY 1998 and FY 1999, when operating losses totaled about $290 million," said Dr. Arthur H. Rubenstein, EVP for UPHS and dean of the School of Medicine. "Since I arrived at Penn in September 2001, Robert has been an excellent partner. I have no doubt that the Health System's turnaround, which has been closely followed by both local and national observers, will be Robert's legacy," he added.

"Robert and I have discussed the transition in depth, and we are committed to working closely together for the next eight months. Both of us understand that maintaining our financial performance and implementing the Strategic Plan for Penn Medicine are essential for our institution to flourish. In addition, the time before Robert leaves will allow us to search carefully for the most qualified candidate to replace him.

"As CEO of Penn's Health System, Robert assembled a strong management team, and we expect this team to continue its fine work. During this transition period and beyond, our focus will continue to be on excellence in patient care, education, and research. With the help of Robert, his management team, and our faculty, we are confident that Penn Medicine will remain well positioned for the future," added Dr. Rubenstein.

Dr. Martin joined the Health System in 1997 as executive director of Clinical Care Associates, Penn's primary-care network. He then became chief operating officer and chief financial officer of UPHS in 1999. He was appointed CEO in spring of 2001 (Almanac May 15, 2001).

Before coming to UPHS, he was chief administrative officer and treasurer to the board of governors at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. From 1989 to 1995 he served as senior vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer for Scottsdale Memorial Health System.

A graduate of the University of North Texas, Dr. Martin holds master's and doctoral degrees in economics and finance from Southern Methodist University.

"Robert's departure will be an enormous loss for our institution. His accomplishments at Penn over the last five years are outstanding," said Dr. Rubenstein.