Ricardo Azziz | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Principal, SPH Consulting Group | |
Assumed office 2022 | |
Chief Executive Officer,American Society for Reproductive Medicine | |
In office 2019–2021 | |
Chief Officer of Academic Health and Hospital Affairs,State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration | |
In office 2016–2019 | |
1stPresident of Georgia Regents University | |
In office 2012–2015 | |
Succeeded by | Brooks Keel |
8th (and last) President of Georgia Health Sciences University | |
In office 2010–2012 | |
Preceded by | Daniel W. Rahn |
Personal details | |
Born | [ citation needed ] Montevideo,Uruguay | March 5,1958
Alma mater | University of Puerto Rico Penn State University Georgetown University, University of Alabama at Birmingham |
Profession | Executive administration,education,bio-medical research,clinical medicine |
Website | ricardoazziz |
Academic work | |
Discipline | Higher Education,Academic healthcare |
Institutions | |
Ricardo Azziz is a Uruguayan-American higher education and biomedical executive administrator and researcher who serves as Principal of SPH Consulting Group. [1] [2] He also serves as Executive Director of the non-profit Foundation for Research and Education Excellence [3] and Director of the Center for Higher Education Mergers and Acquisitions at the Foundation. [4]
In addition to his medical degree, Azziz obtained master's degrees in Public Health and Business Administration. He served as president of Georgia Regents University (now Augusta University) in the U.S. state of Georgia [5] and was chief executive officer of its health system, Georgia Regents Medical Center (now Augusta University Medical Center). [6] He had faculty and department chair positions at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and University of Alabama at Birmingham, and was in health and hospital administration at the State University of New York.
As of 2019, Azziz has authored more than 500 publications, with a research focus in biomedical sciences, specifically androgen excess disorders in women. [7] He is a recognized expert in female reproductive disorders, particularly androgen excess and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). [8]
Azziz was born in Montevideo, Uruguay; his father was a nuclear physicist and his mother was an anthropologist, [8] both Ph.D. holders. [9] His family moved to the U.S. when he was two and his early years were spent mostly in Pittsburgh, with frequent "nomadic" excursions with his parents from Uruguay to Puerto Rico to Costa Rica, [8] and back to Puerto Rico to begin his collegiate studies. [9]
Azziz earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Puerto Rico in 1977, [7] [5] in biology and pre-medicine, graduating magna cum laude . [10] He graduated in 1981 from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey. [9] Following an internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology (ob/gyn) at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., Azziz completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. [9] Between 1985 and 1987, he was an ob/gyn instructor at Johns Hopkins. [8]
Azziz earned his M.P.H. in 1995 [11] from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and his M.B.A. from there [10] in 2000; [11] he graduated with honors and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. [10]
From 1987 to 2002, Azziz taught at UAB where he served in several positions in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. [10]
Azziz was Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) in Los Angeles, [12] named the "Helping Hand of Los Angeles Chair". [13] He served as director of the Center for Androgen Related Disorders at CSMC. [14] At the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, he was a professor and vice chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. [15]
In March 2010, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) announced that Azziz would be named the eighth president of what was then called the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), USG's health sciences university. [10] Stating that Azziz "stood out [in an] impressive pool of candidates," the Regents envisioned USG "expand[ing] its capacity to educate healthcare professionals to meet state needs". [10] Then-governor of Georgia Sonny Perdue attended a July 10 signing ceremony as Azziz formally assumed the presidency at MCG and also became the CEO and chairman of a new entity, MCG Health Systems, Inc., which brought the university hospitals and clinics under the authority of Azziz via a joint operating agreement. [16] [17]
Azziz drew public scrutiny in August 2010 when he proposed changing the name of MCG to something with "university" in its name, [18] in order to acknowledge that MCG included schools other than medicine. [19] Azziz said that the medical school (Medical College of Georgia) would retain its name, but that the university would have a new name, encompassing all of the colleges (for example, dentistry and nursing). [18] At a cost estimated at nearly US$3 million for the switchover, the new name would be Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU). [20]
Azziz said in 2011 that Georgia lacked enough medical residency slots, and that Georgia struggled to graduate enough nurses; as such, more residency positions were needed in-state to retain graduates. [21] In 2011, the MCG-affiliated hospitals also changed their names and a new partnership was launched to make more physicians available, help students complete rotations in different specialties, and develop better synergies among partners. [22]
Azziz chaired the Consolidation Working Group to combine Augusta State University and GHSU to become Georgia Regents University (GRU, now Augusta University), which the Regents called "a bold move to create a new university that builds on the strength of two institutions with distinct missions". [23] The USG Regents identified goals for consolidating institutions to "ensure the System has a 21st century structure with the right network of institutions offering the proper range of degrees". [24] In 2012, former Regent William S. Morris III, chairman of Morris Communications, [lower-alpha 1] resigned from the GHSU board over the proposed name change, disappointed with Azziz that the word Augusta was not in the name. [25] Characterizing the new name as an affront to the city of Augusta, Morris said of Azziz, "The naming convention you have advocated, and now gained endorsement from the Georgia regents, lacks sensitivity to the enormous community good will that has been cultivated over the years." [25] On January 8, 2013, the Regents approved the consolidation of GHSU and Augusta State University to create Georgia Regents University, and Azziz was selected founding president of the new university. [26] [27]
The joining of a primarily graduate and professional level research university with selective admissions standards and a primarily undergraduate level university was described by regents Chair Philip Wilheit as "one of the most complex consolidations undertaken in [Georgia] ... if not in the country". [28] Azziz delivered a report to the Regents in September 2014, describing progress towards meeting consolidation goals, including increases retention, standards, enrollment, funding and giving, with a 10% decline in administrative costs. [28] Walter Jones reported that "The trickiest 'soft issue' was picking a name because many in the community wanted the city included while Azziz and others feared that would label it a community college instead of a world-class research institute. Azziz "praised the regents [for] shielding him from the public outrage" and "acknowledged that the GRU consolidation process should have been more transparent, especially in explaining the reasons for the merger." [28] A Time magazine report featured the consolidation, with Jon Marcus describing it as the "kind of corporate-style consolidation that is becoming increasingly common not only for public institutions, but also for nonprofit, private ones that can pool their resources for marketing, fundraising, purchasing and information technology in a time of falling budgets". [29] Azziz stated the consolidation had resulted quickly in administrative cost cuts, and that "it is much more costly to maintain all of the moving parts at a small college than at a larger university". [29]
In January 2015, Azziz announced he would step down from his positions effective June 30, 2015. [30] Hank Huckaby, a chancellor, said the decision was voluntary, and Georgia Representative Barbara Sims said Azziz had completed his mission, describing him as a "visionary" adding that "most of the things he initiated will continue". [30] Walter Jones reported that there was community displeasure over the naming controversy. [31] Huckaby said that although the university name change had been a "bitter source of debate", the name would not change. [30] Attending his last meeting in May 2015, Azziz received a standing ovation from the board, and remarked that taking risks does not come easily in public institutions, but must be done. [31] In September of the same year, the Regents voted unanimously to change the name to Augusta University. [32]
During Azziz's 2014 application for the presidency at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, questions were raised about the Augusta name change and other controversies including the proposed cost of a new carport for the president's home (which Azziz said was needed for staging events, but the project was cancelled), and his use of a university bus to transport guests at his niece's wedding (a cost of about $400, which was reimbursed). [33] [34]
After leaving Augusta, [11] Azziz joined the Pullias Center for Higher Education in the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California as a visiting scholar. [35]
He served as Chief Officer of Academic Health and Hospital Affairs for the State University of New York (SUNY) [36] [37] until 2019. [7]
Azziz served as the chief executive officer of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) beginning in January 2020 [7] to June 2021. [7]
Azziz is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons [38] and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. [7] [9] He was a president of the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine Alumni Society. [9]
Azziz helped initiate the creation of an international nonprofit organization, the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society, and in 2002 was named the founding executive director. [39] As of 2019, he served as the senior executive director. [40]
In 2005 Azziz was appointed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee, the regulatory body for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine. [12] He was appointed in 2017 by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to lead the SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute, [37] and has advocated for furthering diversity and inclusion in higher education. [41] [42]
Azziz is a recognized expert in female reproductive disorders, particularly androgen excess and polycystic ovary syndrome. [8] [43] The NIH has funded his research on androgen excess disorders since 1988. [8] He has generated more than 500 publications, reviews and chapters, and authored or edited numerous textbooks. [9]
Azziz has also published in the area of change management in academe, specifically mergers and consolidations. [36] [44] [45]
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link){{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)Azziz married Cindy Beckham and has three children. [5] He is a visual artist, primarily creating pen-and-ink drawings in the surrealist style of the early 20th century, [8] with a published retrospective. [46] His work was exhibited at the Art Department at Georgia Regents University. [47]
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is named after cysts which form on the ovaries of some people with this condition, though this is not a universal symptom, and not the underlying cause of the disorder.
Hirsutism is excessive body hair on parts of the body where hair is normally absent or minimal. The word is from early 17th century: from Latin hirsutus meaning "hairy". It usually refers to a male pattern of hair growth in a female that may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, especially if it develops well after puberty. Cultural stigma against hirsutism can cause much psychological distress and social difficulty. Discrimination based on facial hirsutism often leads to the avoidance of social situations and to symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Anovulation is when the ovaries do not release an oocyte during a menstrual cycle. Therefore, ovulation does not take place. However, a woman who does not ovulate at each menstrual cycle is not necessarily going through menopause. Chronic anovulation is a common cause of infertility.
Hyperandrogenism is a medical condition characterized by high levels of androgens. It is more common in women than men. Symptoms of hyperandrogenism may include acne, seborrhea, hair loss on the scalp, increased body or facial hair, and infrequent or absent menstruation. Complications may include high blood cholesterol and diabetes. It occurs in approximately 5% of women of reproductive age.
Augusta State University was a public university in Augusta, Georgia. It merged with Georgia Health Sciences University in 2012 to form Georgia Regents University, later known as Augusta University.
Augusta University (AU) is a public research university and academic medical center in Augusta, Georgia. It is a part of the University System of Georgia and has satellite medical campuses in Savannah, Albany, Rome, and Athens. It employs over 15,000 people, has more than 56,000 alumni, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Frank A. Chervenak, MD currently serves as Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital; Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Associate Dean of International Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) is a private medical school with its main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and additional locations in Suwanee, Georgia and Moultrie, Georgia.
Reproductive medicine is a branch of medicine concerning the male and female reproductive systems. It encompasses a variety of reproductive conditions, their prevention and assessment, as well as their subsequent treatment and prognosis.
Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a ratio used to determine abnormal androgen status in humans. The ratio is the total testosterone level divided by the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) level, and then multiplying by a constant, usually 100. The concentrations of testosterone and SHBG are normally measured in nanomols per liter. FAI has no unit.
Hyperthecosis, or ovarian hyperthecosis, is hyperplasia of the theca interna of the ovary. Hyperthecosis occurs when an area of luteinization occurs along with stromal hyperplasia. The luteinized cells produce androgens, which may lead to hirsutism and virilization in affected women.
Ovarian drilling, also known as multiperforation or laparoscopic ovarian diathermy, is a surgical technique of puncturing the membranes surrounding the ovary with a laser beam or a surgical needle using minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. It differs from ovarian wedge resection, which involves the cutting of tissue. Minimally invasive ovarian drilling procedures have replaced wedge resections. Ovarian drilling is preferred to wedge resection because cutting into the ovary can cause adhesions which may complicate postoperative outcomes. Ovarian drilling and ovarian wedge resection are treatment options to reduce the amount of androgen producing tissue in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the primary cause of anovulation, which results in female infertility. The induction of mono-ovulatory cycles can restore fertility.
Augusta University Health is an academic health center that manages the clinical operations associated with Augusta University. It is a health care network that offers primary, specialty and sub-specialty care in the Augusta, Georgia area and throughout the Southeastern United States.
The Medical College of Georgia is the flagship medical school of the University System of Georgia, the state's only public medical school, and one of the top 10 largest medical schools in the United States. Established in 1828 as the Medical Academy of Georgia, MCG is the oldest and founding school of Augusta University and played a role in the establishment of the American Medical Association and the standardization of medical practices. It is the third-oldest medical school in the Southeast and the 13th oldest in the nation. With 22 departments, it offers both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) as well as MD-PhD, MD-MPH, and MD-MBA degrees. Its national ranking in research is 75, and its ranking in primary care is 91, both out of 191 ranked medical schools.
Augusta University was officially formed January 8, 2013, from the consolidation of Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta, Georgia by order of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.
An estrogen-dependent condition can be that relating to the differentiation in the steroid sex hormone that is associated with the female reproductive system and sex characteristics. These conditions can fall under the umbrella of hypoestrogenism, hyperestrogenim, or any sensitivity to the presence of estrogen in the body.
Breast atrophy is the normal or spontaneous atrophy or shrinkage of the breasts.
The HAIR-AN syndrome is a rare subtype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by hyperandrogenism (HA), insulin resistance (IR) and acanthosis nigricans (AN). The symptoms of the HAIR-AN syndrome are largely due to severe insulin resistance, which can be secondary to blocking antibodies against the insulin receptor or genetically absent/reduced insulin receptor number/function. Insulin resistance leads to hyperinsulinemia which, in turn, leads to an excess production of androgen hormones by the ovaries. High levels of androgen hormones (hyperandrogenism) in females causes excessive hair growth, acne and irregular menstruation. Patients with both underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance may have more severe hyperandrogenism. Insulin resistance is also associated with diabetes, heart disease and excessive darkening of the skin
Ayman Al-Hendy, is a professor and director of translational research from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago. His branch of medical/surgical knowledge is obstetrics and gynecology, particularly in the spheres of “gene/stem cell therapy”, “reproductive genetics”, and “stem cell biology”.
Duru Shah is a Mumbai-based gynaecologist academic and women activist. She is the Founder President of the PCOS Society, India and a promoter of adolescent girls and women's health and infertility in India. Shah is also the promoter of Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. She is also a Consultant ObGyn.: Breach Candy Hospital, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)El galeno, que hasta ahora ejercía como profesor de ginecología y obstetricia de la Universidad de California Los Ángeles y como medico y administrador del Centro Medico Cedars-Sinai, destacó además la necesidad de que la comunidad hispana del estado participe en las soluciones y propuestas que ayuden a mejorar el sistema de salud del estado. 'La diversidad en cuanto al servicio, la diversidad en cuanto a los profesores y la diversidad en cuanto a los estudiantes, porque el país se está volviendo cada vez más diverso y nosotros como colegio que mira hacia el futuro debemos estar preparados para ese futuro', afirmó el medico.
{{cite web}}
: |last=
has generic name (help)