David Miller, M.D., M.P.H., named new president of U-M Health System

One of Michigan Medicine’s clinical leaders, David C. Miller, M.D., M.P.H., will be the new president of the U-M Health System as of Jan. 1, 2021 after approval Thursday by the U-M Board of Regents.

Miller has been the chief clinical officer for University Hospital and the Frankel Cardiovascular Center since 2018. In his new role, he will provide strategic and operational leadership of the clinical enterprise of Michigan Medicine.

Miller also was named executive vice dean of clinical affairs for the U-M Medical School, in which he will work collaboratively with leadership from the medical school to ensure that the clinical and medical education missions are aligned.

Miller replaces David A. Spahlinger, M.D., who is stepping down from the position at the end of December. Spahlinger has served in these roles since 2016, and after 26 years of leadership at Michigan Medicine, will continue as a member of the faculty.

Miller, a urologist and surgeon, is a nationally-recognized expert in urological oncology, quality improvement and health services research.

“This is an extremely important role during ‘normal’ times, and even more consequential in the midst of a pandemic,” said Marschall Runge, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of Michigan Medicine, dean of the U-M Medical School and executive vice president for medical affairs. “One of the most important requirements of this position is to have someone who is not just a visionary but an expert in improving clinical safety and operations, creating efficiencies and enhancing the patient experience.”

“David has repeatedly demonstrated his leadership skills at Michigan Medicine and has extensive experience with complex communication and collaborative problem-solving and change management,” Runge continued. “He is highly regarded for implementing new solutions to long-standing clinical, operational, scientific and cultural challenges.”

Runge thanked Spahlinger for his two decades plus of leadership at Michigan Medicine, during which the health care system has grown exponentially, built new facilities and established affiliations across the state.

Serving in critical positions

Miller has been an active emergency response leader during Michigan Medicine’s pandemic planning and implementation. He also served in crucial roles building Michigan Medicine’s strategic partnerships with other health care systems, which have enhanced care delivery across the state.

“I am honored to take on this job and ready to work at building and enhancing the culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusiveness at one of the nation’s top academic medical centers,” said Miller.

“I look forward to maintaining our focus on improving access to care, enhancing quality and safety, and optimizing the experience for patients cared for at UMHS. Central to all of these efforts will be continued collaboration between diverse, multidisciplinary teams of professionals from all parts of our mission: clinical care, education of future health care providers and research into the health care challenges of our time.”