Fernandes steps down as OSU-CHS president

Friday, May 22, 2009

Read more: Grogg named interim president at OSU-CHS

(TULSA, May 22, 2009) – Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences President John Fernandes announced today that he is leaving his position as president to pursue other interests.  The change is effective July 1.

Fernandes became president and dean of the OSU Center for Health Sciences and the College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003.  

“We appreciate John’s leadership during a time of growth for the Center for Health Sciences and an uncertain period for our medical school,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.  “Thanks to John and his team, we are in a strong position to carry out our mission to educate and train osteopathic physicians, research scientists and other health care professionals with an emphasis on serving rural and underserved Oklahoma.  We wish him the best.”

OSU’s medical teaching program, which has routinely been ranked among the nation’s finest, has produced more than 2,400 osteopathic physicians, with about 60 percent of its graduates serving the citizens of Oklahoma.  The program has grown to 140 residents a year.

Thanks to the Oklahoma Legislature, the City of Tulsa, St. John Health Systems and a host of others, an agreement was reached earlier this year that puts the OSU Medical School on solid footing for the future.

“I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished in my time at OSU-CHS, particularly considering some of the challenges we faced,” said Fernandes.  “I appreciate everyone’s hard work, commitment and support.  I believe our program is poised for great things and this is a good time for me to make a change.”

Fernandes, a pathologist by training, is a graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

He previously served as dean and chief academic officer of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University and is former chair of its pathology department.  He also was professor and chair of pathology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and an associate professor of pathology at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Hargis said OSU will begin a national search for a replacement immediately.