Anthony Shih, MD, MPH, has been named president of United Hospital Fund, effective August 14, 2017, UHF's board of directors announced today.
Dr. Shih is executive vice president of the New York Academy of Medicine, which works to promote the health and well-being of people in cities worldwide. Previously, he was executive vice president for programs at The Commonwealth Fund, and chief quality officer and vice president, strategic planning, at IPRO. Dr. Shih is a graduate of Amherst College, received his medical degree from the NYU School of Medicine, and earned his master's at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.
“Tony is nationally recognized for his expertise in health policy, quality improvement, and population health and is a seasoned executive in nonprofit management and health care philanthropy,” said J. Barclay Collins II, chairman of UHF. “Most importantly, he understands first-hand New York's extraordinary health care sector and the issues it faces. We are absolutely thrilled that he will be leading UHF into the future.”
“UHF's mission of building a more effective health care system for every New Yorker resonates deeply with me,” said Dr. Shih. “I am honored to lead an organization with such an important history and record of accomplishment, and look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Dr. Shih's appointment follows last fall's announcement by James R. Tallon, Jr., that he would retire by the end of 2017, after serving as UHF's president for the past 24 years. The national search for Mr. Tallon's successor was conducted by Korn Ferry.
Although Mr. Tallon will retire to his hometown of Binghamton, he anticipates that he will continue to find ways to serve New York and share his health care expertise.
“Jim is simply an exceptional individual and leader, and his steady hand has been transformational for UHF,” said Mr. Collins. “His wisdom and counsel, shared so generously over so many years—including 19 years in the New York State Assembly and 15 as a New York State Regent—leave a rich and proud legacy of service. The board and staff are enormously grateful to him, and we look forward to benefiting from his wisdom in the years ahead.”