The University of Missouri in Columbia has eliminated its executive vice chancellor for health affairs role and will replace it with a new executive committee, which includes the CEO of MU Health Care.
Richard Barohn, MD, is stepping down from the executive vice chancellor role and as dean of the Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson Dean of the School of Medicine, according to a June 25 memo from University President Mun Choi, PhD.
Dr. Barohn plans to return to his faculty position in the neurology department to focus on research, clinical care and teaching, effective Sept. 1. Since joining the university in 2020, he has doubled research expenditures for the medical school, expanded enrollment and led a successful reaccreditation cycle.
Ross Zafonte, MD, will serve as interim dean of the medical school, effective Sept. 1. He joined the school in 2024 and currently serves as executive vice dean.
In place of the eliminated role, the university will establish a new executive committee including Dr. Choi, Dr. Zafonte, MU Health Care CEO Ric Ransom and Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations Ryan Rapp. The committee will be responsible for overseeing improved clinical integrations, patient outcomes and financial performance.
“The new model aligns clinical and academic domains ensuring quality, safety, access, efficiency, fiscal sustainability, education and research productivity while preserving academic integrity and operational discipline,” Dr. Choi said.
The leadership change comes as MU Health Care implements an organizational redesign aimed at strengthening its long-term financial sustainability, which included a 74-person workforce reduction, primarily in nonclinical and administrative roles, and the closure of its four Hy-Vee grocery store Quick Care locations. The changes are intended to meet evolving patient needs, as demand for quick care services declines and urgent care and primary care service demand grows.
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