“Dr. Smith is ideally suited for this next evolution for UofL Health,” said Gerry Bradley, University of Louisville president and UofL Health board chair. “He is a trusted leader within the organization, among colleagues and throughout the community. That, along with his clinical and administrative expertise, provides a unique skillset to lead our system and the team to deliver the best care to those we serve.”

“I am both humbled and honored to lead this team – one built on a foundation of academic excellence, compassionate care and community partnership – working each day to better the health of the communities and commonwealth we serve,” Smith said. “Over the past decade, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses, staff and academic partners. Together, we have faced some of the most complex challenges in modern health care, yet through our shared mission, we have continued to expand access, improve outcomes, and strengthen our system for the patients and families who depend on us. This is a pivotal time for UofL Health and for the commonwealth we serve. I am inspired by what we have accomplished and energized by what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more resilient and more innovative health system for the future of Kentucky.”

Smith joined the faculty at the UofL School of Medicine in 2008 after completing medical school and residency at The Ohio State University. He earned his PhD in physiology and biophysics from the University of Louisville and received a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is board-certified in general surgery and critical care. He was recently awarded the Paragon Award from the Greater Louisville Medical Society for outstanding contributions to health care leadership, advocacy for gun violence victims and his commitment to the education of future physicians.

As CEO of UofL Health, Smith will lead a regional academic health system made up of nine hospitals, four medical centers, Brown Cancer Center and Eye Institute. UofL Health has 250 locations in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, with more than 1,200 providers. With his appointment, UofL Health becomes the only physician-led health system in the region.

“As a combined system, UofL Health has had a tremendous impact in a short period of time. As we transition into our new future, our focus will remain clear: to sustain our financial health, support our workforce, and advance our academic mission so that every patient receives the highest quality of care—close to home, from a team that reflects the very best of this community,” Smith said.

Toni Ganzel, MD, dean of the UofL School of Medicine, has received an additional appointment as vice president for academic medical affairs. Reporting to President Neeli Bendapudi and Provost Beth A. Boehm, Ganzel will oversee research activity at the Health Sciences Center, including the centers and institutes. In addition, she will oversee areas including diversity and inclusion, faculty development and student health.

She will work closely with UofL Health CEO Tom Miller to ensure successful teaching and research at the recently expanded UofL Health network.

“Dr. Ganzel has done an excellent job as dean of the School of Medicine,” said Bendapudi. “I value her expertise and her leadership and look forward to continuing to work with her in this new role. She and Tom Miller are a great team to lead medical education, research and care in our community.”

Bendapudi and Ganzel will join nine other individuals from a variety of disciplines on the newly formed UofL Health Board of Directors. The other board members from the university are:

• Kelly McMasters, chair, Department of Surgery
• Diane Medley, member, UofL Board of Trustees
• Fred Williams, physician, UofL Health

Community members include:

• Pat Mulloy, of counsel, Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs
• Ben Breier, CEO, Kindred Healthcare
• Heidi Margulis, retired chief corporate affairs officer, Humana
• Junior Bridgeman, CEO, Bridgeman Hospitality
• William Ballard, attorney and former health care executive
• T. Richard Riney, former executive vice president, CAO of Ventas

“These board members understand the complexities of today’s health care climate and will deliver a vision for the future,” Bendapudi said. “The foundation for UofL Health is strong. This board, along with the continued support of our elected officials in Frankfort, ensures our ability to deliver excellence, innovation and compassionate care for all in the Commonwealth.”