LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Entering its seventh year as a regional academic health system, the UofL Health Board of Directors has named Jason Smith, M.D., Ph.D., MCA, FACS, as its new chief executive officer. Dr. Smith has been serving in the role on an interim basis since June and moves into the permanent position after, most recently, serving as the system’s chief medical officer.
“Dr. Smith is ideally suited for this next evolution for UofL Health,” said Gerry Bradley, University of Louisville president and UofL Health board chair. “He is a trusted leader within the organization, among colleagues and throughout the community. That, along with his clinical and administrative expertise, provides a unique skillset to lead our system and the team to deliver the best care to those we serve.”
“I am both humbled and honored to lead this team—one built on a foundation of academic excellence, compassionate care and community partnership—working each day to better the health of the communities and commonwealth we serve,” Dr. Smith said. “Over the past decade, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses, staff and academic partners. Together, we have faced some of the most complex challenges in modern health care, yet through our shared mission, we have continued to expand access, improve outcomes and strengthen our system for the patients and families who depend on us. This is a pivotal time for UofL Health and for the commonwealth we serve. I am inspired by what we have accomplished and energized by what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more resilient and more innovative health system for the future of Kentucky.”
Dr. Smith joined the faculty at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 2008 after completing medical school and residency at The Ohio State University. He earned his Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics from the University of Louisville and received a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is board-certified in general surgery and critical care. Dr. Smith was recently awarded the Paragon Award from the Greater Louisville Medical Society for outstanding contributions to health care leadership, advocacy for gun violence victims and his commitment to the education of future physicians.
As CEO of UofL Health, Dr. Smith will lead a regional academic health system made up of nine hospitals, four medical centers, Brown Cancer Center and Eye Institute. UofL Health has 250 locations in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, with more than 1,200 providers. With his appointment, UofL Health becomes the only physician-led health system in the region.
“As a combined system, UofL Health has had a tremendous impact in a short period of time,” Dr. Smith said. “As we transition into our new future, our focus will remain clear: to sustain our financial health, support our workforce and advance our academic mission so that every patient receives the highest quality of care—close to home, from a team that reflects the very best of this community.”
Additional media coverage:
- Dr. Jason Smith named new CEO of UofL Health (WDRB)
- Dr. Jason Smith appointed as permanent CEO of UofL Health (WLKY)
- ‘Humbled and honored to lead this team’: Dr. Jason Smith becomes official UofL Health CEO (WHAS)
- UofL Health names Jason Smith as new CEO. What to know (Courier Journal)
- UofL Health names Dr. Jason Smith CEO (Spectrum)
- Jason Smith appointed UofL Health CEO (UofL News)
- Dr. Jason Smith appointed UofL Health CEO (The Lane Report)
- UofL Health names CEO (Becker’s Hospital Review)
- UofL Health names Dr. Jason Smith as new CEO (Louisville Business First)
