Michael Salem, M.D., Named Incoming CEO and President at National Jewish Medical and Research Center

Michael Salem, MD, an academic researcher, surgeon, and healthcare entrepreneur, has been named the incoming President and CEO of National Jewish Medical and Research Center. Dr. Salem will succeed Lynn Taussig, MD, who is retiring after more than 12 years in the position. Dr. Salem’s appointment is effective January 7, 2006. During a transition period, Dr. Salem will be orienting himself at National Jewish while Dr. Taussig continues to serve as the operating President and CEO.

"Dr. Salem is a strong and innovative leader with expertise in  many  different aspects of healthcare,” said David H. Engleberg, Chairman of the National Jewish Board of Directors. “His entrepreneurial experience, combined with a professional and personal commitment to academic medicine and research, make him an ideal leader to help shape the institution’s exciting future.”

Dr. Salem, 44, has nearly two decades of experience in clinical care, research, and the healthcare industry. Since 1999, he has worked at GMP Companies Inc., a Florida-based company that develops and commercializes scientific and technological discoveries made primarily by academic researchers. As Executive Vice President, he led the research and development operations of GMP Companies, and helped raise capital for the company. Among the products he helped develop were EyePass®, a microsurgical implant device for glaucoma, and LifeSync® Wireless Medicine System, a wireless electrocardiogram monitoring system.

Before that he spent five years on the faculty at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and as a surgeon at George Washington University Hospital. During his five years there, he practiced and taught general surgery, and oversaw surgical research. He rose to become the Director of Trauma and Critical Care, Co-Director of the Intensive Care Unit, and Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery.

Dr. Salem received his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis and his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. He completed surgical residencies at Boston University Hospital and George Washington University. He also completed research and clinical fellowships in Critical Care Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Recently, Dr. Salem has been involved in international medical missions to Vietnam and Israel where he delivered surgical care and worked with the local medical staff. He enjoys sports, including running, skiing and golf.

“ I am honored to be selected by this great institution with its rich history of achievement in patient care, research, and education,” said Dr. Salem. “I hope to build on the excellence created by Dr. Taussig and the entire National Jewish team.”

Dr. Salem takes the helm from Lynn Taussig, MD, who achieved great successes at the institution during his 12-year tenure. Under his leadership, National Jewish has been named the #1 respiratory hospital in America by U.S. News & World Report for eight consecutive years and is rated one of the 25 most influential research institutions in the world in its major areas of research focus.