Hackensack University Health Network Announces Dr. Ihor S. Sawczuk as HackensackUMC President Effective April 4, 2016

HACKENSACK, N.J., Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hackensack University Health Network is pleased to announce that Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, has been selected as the new president of Hackensack University Medical Center effective April 4, 2016. Dr. Sawczuk will transition from his current role as executive vice president and chief medical officer. Since mid-2015, the Network has been conducting a nationwide search for the new HackensackUMC president. The search was extensive and many candidates from around the nation were considered by the search committee. Six final candidates were interviewed by a diverse group of the HackensackUMC family and community.

HackensackUHN President and CEO Robert C. Garrett has held both the health network and medical center president and CEO positions and will continue in his role as president and CEO of Hackensack University Health Network, and ultimately of Hackensack Meridian Health once the merger is complete.

"For 15 years, HackensackUMC has been fortunate to have Dr. Sawczuk as not only a physician – but as one of our most well-respected executive leaders," said Garrett. "His various roles—as executive vice president, chief medical officer, vice president of Academic Affairs and chairman of the Department of Urology—are a direct reflection of his influence and demonstrated leadership within our medical center and beyond." He also recently received the first academic appointment as professor of Surgery at the upcoming school of medicine with Seton Hall University.

Dr. Sawczuk began his time with HackensackUMC in 2001 as chairperson of the Department of Urology. Since then, he has helped guide the medical center on a path of clinical, research and academic excellence. His emphasis on cutting-edge technology has elevated the Department of Urology to become one of the leading programs in the country.

During his tenure as chief academic officer, his commitment to academic advancement was evident in: his leadership role in the creation of the upcoming school of medicine with Seton Hall University, and the oversight of HackensackUMC's affiliation agreements with Georgetown University School of Medicine and Stevens Institute of Technology.

Dr. Sawczuk has been frequently and continuously listed as a top doctor in national and local publications – reflecting his positive professional reputation among colleagues and patients alike. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades from prestigious academic and medical associations, and his research and publications are referenced throughout the country.

"We are proud to have a physician of Dr. Sawczuk's stature as an integral part of our leadership team," added Garrett. "The board and I are confident that the new HackensackUMC president is someone who shares in the values and mission of our great hospital."

About Hackensack University Medical Center
HackensackUMC, a 775- bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Founded in 1888 as the county's first hospital, it is the flagship hospital of Hackensack University Health Network, one of the largest health networks in the state comprised of 1,717 beds, more than 10,000 team members and 3,300 credentialed physicians. HackensackUMC was listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey in U.S. News & World Report's 2015-16 Best Hospital rankings - maintaining its place atop the NJ rankings since the rating system was introduced. It was also named one of the top four New York Metro Area hospitals. HackensackUMC is the only hospital in New Jersey, New York and New England to be named one of Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals™ nine consecutive years, and receive the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ 13 years in a row. The medical center is one of the top 25 green hospitals in the country according to Practice Greenhealth, and received 24 Gold Seals of Approval™ by The Joint Commission – more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet® recognized hospital for nursing excellence; receiving its fifth consecutive designation in 2014. HackensackUMC has created an entire campus of award-winning care, including: the John Theurer Cancer Center; the Heart & Vascular Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Women's and Children's Pavilion, which houses the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital and Donna A. Sanzari Women's Hospital, which was designed with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center and listed on the Green Guide's list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. HackensackUMC is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls and is Official Medical Services Provider to The Barclays PGA Golf Tournament. It remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events. To learn more, visit: www.HackensackUMC.org.     

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SOURCE Hackensack University Health Network