DR. MANUEL TZAGOURNIS, LONG-TIME LEADER OF UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, TO STEP DOWN

   COLUMBUS -- Dr. Manuel Tzagournis, who, during the last two decades helped lead the health sciences at The Ohio State University to a position of national prominence, announced today (10/13) that he will step down as vice president for health sciences in December. Tzagournis, who will turn 65 this month, will return to the faculty full time to teach and practice.

   "Manny Tzagournis is an icon -- at the university and throughout our community," said William E. Kirwan, Ohio State president. "Under his remarkable leadership, our academic medical center has developed into a national leader, known worldwide for quality service delivery, outstanding education and cutting-edge research. Few people, anywhere, have done as much to advance the health care profession over the past 20 years as has Manuel Tzagournis. It has been a tumultuous era in health- care delivery, and Manuel's steady hand and clear vision have been largely responsible for the emergence of the University Medical Center as one of the nation's best. We at the university, and, indeed, all Ohioans, are deeply indebted to Manuel for his skill and dedication. Fortunately, he will continue to serve the university and community as a teacher, researcher, doctor and special adviser to me. He is a community treasure."

   In a letter sent yesterday to health sciences faculty and administrative leaders, Tzagournis said he felt "truly privileged to have served the university during a productive and exciting period of our health center's history."

   "We have seen many positive changes and accomplishments," he said. "Literally, I mean 'we'. The faculty, staff, and administrators have been marvelous to me and worked with fervent passion for this great institution and our students. We are well-positioned to be among the best public health sciences centers in the nation in the near future."

   During the nearly 20 years that Tzagournis served as either dean, vice president, or both, the Medical Center underwent a transformation from being a fine teaching and patient care institution to one with a more balanced mission of excellent teaching, superb patient care, and distinguished scholarly and research activities, Kirwan noted, adding that outstanding faculty members were recruited and many leading-edge facilities were constructed and put into use.

   Additionally, private support of the Medical Center grew significantly. In 1982, the market value of the center's endowed funds was $16 million, compared to $220 million today. Research productivity increased at a rate of nearly 15 percent a year. During this period, a $12 million clinical research facility, paid for by voluntary contributions from College of Medicine department chairs and faculty, was built.

   "Dr. Tzagournis' accomplishments are many and extremely valuable," Kirwan said. "We wish him well as he returns to the faculty and are delighted that he will remain a colleague for many years to come."

   Tzagournis' position will be combined, along with the position of dean of the College of Medicine and Public Health, into a new position of senior vice president for health sciences and dean of the College of Medicine and Public Health. This is part of a reorganization of the medical administration approved in September by the university Board of Trustees. The senior vice president and dean will have authority over all units of the academic medical center. A national search for the position is under way.

Contact: Dr. Manuel Tzagournis, (614) 292-0926