OHSU has implemented a multipronged strategy to support ongoing efforts to rebuild and chart the next phase of the multidisciplinary Knight Cardiovascular Institute, including the search for a new director.

Reviews and assessments that include a self-study, financial analysis, organizational assessment and external peer review are planned or underway. Faculty and staff input will be essential to every aspect of these comprehensive reviews.

The resulting recommendations will inform strategic planning around leadership, structure, scope and future direction of the Heart Transplant Program and Knight Cardiovascular Institute missions, including patient care, research, education and administrative support.

Although these reviews and assessments are privileged, confidential and exempt from public disclosure, OHSU will continue to share program updates with patients, employees and the community, as appropriate.

“The OHSU Heart Transplant Program team continues to care for and support our patients, in collaboration with Providence, the University of Washington and our community partners. We are grateful for their generous assistance as we work to rebuild a sustainable Heart Transplant Program and structure the Knight Cardiovascular Institute for the long term,” said OHSU President Danny Jacobs, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.

Details

Independent peer review is one process often employed in the health care profession that allows team members to be candid and forthright when sharing opinions and experiences, while maintaining confidentiality. 

The external peer review of the Heart Transplant Program and Knight Cardiovascular Institute will be conducted beginning Dec. 10 by four nationally accomplished leaders in cardiovascular medicine and cardiothoracic surgery with extensive experience in program evaluations. They are:

• Douglas E. Vaughan, M.D., chair, Department of Medicine, Irving S. Cutter Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
• Mary Francois, D.N.P., R.N., Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, Program Director, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Service Line, University of Wisconsin Health
• Joseph G. Rogers, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
• J. David Vega, M.D., Professor of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Emory University School of Medicine, Director, Heart Transplant Program, Emory University Hospital, and Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Georgia.