President and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic Dr. Toby Cosgrove at the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love Gala” benefit at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 26, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
One of the healthcare community’s most prominent and well-known leaders is leaving his post later this year. Today, Dr. Delos “Toby” Cosgrove announced plans to step down as Cleveland Clinic president and CEO.
Cosgrove’s transition out of the top executive role will occur later this year. A Cleveland Clinic spokesperson told MedCity that until a successor is named, there’s “no tight date” yet for Cosgrove’s official departure.
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Cosgrove will, however, continue on by serving in an advisory role, the specifics of which are still pending. “The board will be determining how he can best help,” a Cleveland Clinic spokesperson told MedCity via email.
The board of directors and board of governers will jointly select Cosgrove’s successor, who will be a practicing physician. Cleveland Clinic told MedCity the candidate will most likely be internal. “We have a very strong leadership team and plan for succession ongoing for leadership positions at all levels,” a Cleveland Clinic spokesperson said.
In a statement, Cosgrove said:
It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of an extraordinary and forward-thinking organization that puts patients at the center of everything we do. Cleveland Clinic’s world-class reputation of clinical excellence, innovation, medical education and research was created and will be maintained by the truly dedicated caregivers who work tirelessly to provide the best care to our patients.
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Cosgrove also tweeted this earlier today:
https://twitter.com/TobyCosgroveMD/status/859037169264066560
Cosgrove, a cardiac surgeon, earned his medical degree from Charlottesville-based University of Virginia School of Medicine. He later was a surgeon in the U.S. Air Force and served in Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam as the chief of U.S. Air Force Casualty Staging Flight.
He joined Cleveland Clinic in 1975 and by 1989, he was appointed chairman of the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.
Cosgrove became president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic in 2004. During his nearly 13-year tenure, Cosgrove wrote The Cleveland Clinic Way and authored numerous book chapters and journal articles. He also worked to create same-day appointments for Cleveland Clinic patients. According to the Cleveland Clinic, its research funding grew from $121 million to $260 million over the course of Cosgrove’s tenure.
Cosgrove’s successor will have big shoes to fill. Keep your eyes peeled for news of who his replacement will be.
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive