Michael Salem, M.D., Begins Tenure as President and CEO

Michael Salem, MD, began his tenure January 7, 2006, as President and CEO of National Jewish Medical and Research Center, pledging to extend the excellence of the institution by focusing on patients, staff, and strategic opportunities.

"I am honored to have this opportunity to lead National Jewish. Lynn Taussig and his team have done an outstanding job guiding National Jewish during the past 12 years, strengthening the institution and setting it on a growth trajectory," said Dr. Salem. " I want to extend the excellence of National Jewish to ensure that we are best positioned to meet 21st century healthcare challenges."

Dr. Salem said his first priority will be patients—both the patients receiving clinical care at National Jewish and those around the world who may benefit from research conducted here. A second priority will be the 1,200 faculty and staff whose work every day makes National Jewish a center of hope and excellence. A third priority will be a commitment to the history of the institution, and assuring a strong future by respecting and embracing the rich history of National Jewish.

Dr. Salem spent the previous four months on the National Jewish campus, meeting faculty, staff, board members, and trustees, learning about National Jewish, its history, and its culture. Looking to the future, he plans to develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the institution to complement the existing Academic Plan.

"I want us to envision what we would like to achieve and where we want National Jewish to be in 10 years, and the steps we must take to get there," said Dr. Salem.

Dr. Salem came to National Jewish with experience as an academic researcher, surgeon and healthcare entrepreneur. He 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 spent five years on the faculty at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and as a surgeon and Critical care physician at George Washington University Hospital.

Prior to coming to National Jewish, Dr. Salem worked at a healthcare company that develops and commercializes biotechnology and medical technology discoveries made primarily by academic researchers.

Shortly before coming to National Jewish Dr. Salem participated in international medical missions to Vietnam and Israel where he delivered surgical care and worked with the local medical staff.

Dr. Salem takes the helm from Lynn Taussig, MD, who led the institution during the previous 12 years. Under Dr. Taussig's 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.