Dr. Michael Karpf has announced his plan to retire as the University of Kentucky's executive vice president for health affairs in 2017.
“My original mandate when recruited to this position by then UK President Lee Todd was to revitalize the clinical enterprise at UK incorporating both the hospital system and the College of Medicine,” Karpf said in a release announcing his retirement plans. “Since my arrival in 2003, we have made considerable progress, and I feel that the original goals we established have been achieved and we have built a strong foundation for UK HealthCare.”
Under Karpf’s leadership, UK has invested nearly $2 billion in new facilities, faculty recruitment, program development and technology acquisition. Hospital discharges at UK in the last decade have nearly doubled from under 20,000 annually to nearly 40,000. At the same time, health research at the university has grown, capped off two years ago by legislative approval to build a new $265 million health research facility.
UK Healthcare
A national search will be conducted for Karpf’s replacement, with the goal of completing the search and allowing for an appropriate transition. Karpf, 71, will remain fully in charge of UK HealthCare until that time, Capilouto said.
Karpf intends to transition to a part-time faculty position working on health service and health policy issues and plans to stay involved in the art, music and humanities program that makes UK HealthCare a very special place for all, he said.
“Dr. Michael Karpf has, without question, changed the face of health care in Kentucky for the better,” said Dr. Britt Brockman, chair, UK Board of Trustees. “Because of his compassion and unrelenting work ethic, we have made remarkable strides in the last 13 years at UK HealthCare toward transforming that dream into a reality. Now, with Mike’s vision and continued commitment, we will over the next several months, plan how we continue to move forward in ensuring all Kentuckians have access to the best of care from an outstanding academic medical center that exists for the sole purpose of healing Kentuckians facing the gravest of challenges.”
Among his other accomplishments, Karpf led the charge in the development of the 12-story UK Chandler Hospital Pavilion A, which is not only “as technologically advanced as any hospital in the country, it is also an exceptionally empathetic facility – comfortable and comforting for our patients, their families, visitors, and, just as important, for our faculty and staff,” Karpf said.
As of June 2016, 96 percent of the 1.2 million-square foot Pavilion A is occupied or has received approval for finishing out.