Michael Richards, MD, selected as UNM Health Sciences Center Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs

Michael E. Richards, MD, MPA, has been named Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

In his new role, Richards, who has been serving as Executive Physician-in-Chief of the UNM Health System, will assume additional duties as the Health System's chief operating officer. The UNM Health System comprises the Health Sciences Center's clinical operations, including UNM Hospitals, UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center and the UNM Medical Group, Inc.

"Mike Richards is superbly qualified for this role," said Paul B. Roth, MD, MS, chancellor for Health Sciences and CEO of the Health System. "He will participate in the oversight of the CEOs of each of the clinical units to ensure that each Health System program and initiative is properly integrated and aligned in support of the institution's vision, mission and goals."

Richards, a North Carolina native, has an extensive background as both an administrator and physician leader, having previously served as director of the UNM Center for Disaster Medicine and medical director of the EMS Bureau at the New Mexico Department of Health.

He is also a professor and former chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine and former chief of staff at UNM Hospital.

As the Health System's senior physician leader, Richards has focused on translating the Health System's strategic plan and vision into structure, function and operational plans. He is responsible for helping the Health System achieve greater alignment and integration across all its operational elements.