Becker's Hospital Review

23 CEO / STRATEGY Jefferson executive resigns after Twitter trouble By Molly Gamble M ark Tykocinski, MD, has resigned from his roles as president of omas Jefferson University and interim dean of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia. Jefferson CEO Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, wrote in an email to the university community July 20 that Dr. Tykocinski is exiting his leadership roles "to focus on his research," according to a copy of the message obtained by Becker's. Dr. Cacchione said Dr. Tykocinski's cancer immunotherapy research has reached a pivotal stage. He will continue his work as a professor. Dr. Tykocinski started as president of omas Jefferson University July 1, 2022. He previously served as the university's provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and as dean of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Much of his research centers on immunotherapy and gene therapy — he holds a series of patents related to protein and cellular engineering. "We appreciate Dr. Tykocinski's years of transformational service to Jefferson and wish him an abundance of success in his scientific and other endeavors given their importance to humanity," Dr. Cacchione wrote. Board member Susan Aldridge, PhD, is now the interim president of omas Jefferson University, and Steven Herrine, MD, vice dean of undergraduate medical education, will serve as interim dean of the medical school. Dr. Cacchione's email notes that the university's searches for a provost and medical school dean were nearing completion. Dr. Tykocinski's resignation followed controversy this spring when tweets he had "liked" were called into question. Some tweets questioned the validity and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and called gender reassignment surgery "child mutilation." Dr. Tykocinski said he used the "like" function on Twitter to bookmark tweets — not endorse them — in an effort to learn more about the subject matter and better understand particular points of view. At the time, Dr. Cacchione conveyed disappointment in Dr. Tykocinski's "careless" use of the social media network to the Jefferson community. "At his level, he is held to a higher standard and should have known better," Dr. Cacchione wrote in an email to faculty, employees and students. n New Mexico hospital CEO resigns By Kelly Gooch Caleb O'Rear has resigned as CEO of Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas, N.M., the Las Vegas Optic reported July 20. Mr. O'Rear left to "pursue other opportunities," hospital officials said, according to the newspaper. He became the permanent CEO of Alta Vista in 2018 after serving in an interim capacity. "We thank Caleb for his leadership during difficult community crises of a pandemic, wildfires and floods over the past five years," Alta Vista marketing consultant Jessica Kendrick said, according to the Optic. "We wish him the best in his future endeavors." Andrea Southworth, CFO of Alta Vista, was selected as interim CEO, the report said. n CEO of CHS hospital in Indiana to leave role By Kelly Gooch Clyde Wood, CEO of Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind., is leaving his role, The Journal Gazette reported July 28. Mr. Wood's last day at the helm was Aug. 4, Lutheran Health Network spokesperson Teri deMatas told the newspaper. He will then become CEO of Poplar Bluff (Mo.) Regional Medical Center. Mr. Wood became CEO of Lutheran Hospital in July 2022. The hospital is part of Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems. Ms. deMatas told The Journal Gazette that Mr. Wood "will work with the hospital administrative team to help ensure a smooth transition." Before joining Fort Wayne-based Lutheran Health Network, Mr. Wood served as market CEO for Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville, N.C., a role in which he was also responsible for leading Davis Regional Medical Center in Statesville, N.C. n

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