HACKENSACK, N.J. – Hackensack University Health Network announced on January 28 that Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, has been selected as the new president of Hackensack University Medical Center effective April 4. 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 Mr. 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 Mr. 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.”
HackensackUMC, a 775- bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in New Jersey. 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 comprising 1,717 beds, more than 10,000 team members and 3,300 credentialed physicians. HackensackUMC was once again listed as the number one hospital in New Jersey in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015-2016 Best Hospital rankings – maintaining its place atop the state’s rankings.