OHSU’s New President Promises Transformative Change Amid Financial Challenges and Low Morale

The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has named Dr. Shereef Elnahal as its new president, stepping in during a tough time for the institution. Dr. Elnahal, who previously worked as the undersecretary for health at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is tasked with turning around the university’s financial struggles, following a failed merger and ongoing issues with faculty morale and operational challenges.

In his initial remarks, Dr. Elnahal emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration. He wants to engage with staff and encourage open dialogue. “I welcome questions, I welcome dissent,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to building trust and address concerns.

Staff members voiced worries about workplace conditions, including burnout and inadequate mental health support. Katie Casseday, a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit, stressed that the unit is facing capacity issues, impacting the quality of care. Many feel that OHSU has not done enough to invest in maternal and perinatal care, leading to a deeper mistrust among staff.

While Dr. Elnahal recognizes these challenges, including wait times and potential cuts to federal funding, he believes that OHSU can overcome them with teamwork and optimism. He is keen to promote OHSU as a vital institution for education and healthcare across the state.

The university is also grappling with financial instability. Recently, it reported a staggering $106 million operating loss, with projections suggesting a $114 million loss by the end of the fiscal year. The plan moving forward is to reduce this deficit significantly.

Dr. Elnahal aims to utilize his experience to advocate for OHSU’s needs, especially regarding federal funding, which he notes isn’t likely to increase in the coming years. He plans to focus on diversifying funding sources, including exploring philanthropy and partnerships.

OHSU’s leadership has been in flux, especially following the abrupt resignation of Dr. Danny Jacobs last October after a less-than-stellar tenure that included a faculty no-confidence vote. This departure sparked a leadership hunt that was met with some controversy, particularly concerning attempts to appoint a new medical school dean without a full search.

Dr. Elnahal’s leadership journey begins as OHSU works through internal and external hurdles. Drawing on his past success at University Hospital in Newark, where he improved financial stability and patient outcomes, he aims to steer OHSU back on course. With recent leadership transitions and a focus on transparency, the community holds a cautious optimism for the path ahead.



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