Senior Administrator at Western University of Health Sciences Announces Retirement
Dr. George Charney (66), executive vice president for academic
affairs and chief operating officer of Western University of Health
Sciences has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2004. Charney
concludes a 42 year career as an osteopathic physician, hospital
administrator, and educator.
“”I have sincerely appreciated my stay at Western University and
enjoyed my affiliation with the many extraordinary people within the
university family. I am proud of the growth and development of the
university during my watch and look forward to following the future
enhancements,”” said Charney.
During his seven years at Western University he watched the
Health Professions Center being built housing the College of Osteopathic
Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) and the Colleges of Graduate Nursing and
Pharmacy. The Pumerantz Library was built and this academic year the
College of Veterinary Medicine was opened with its first class in a new
building on the 22 acre university campus. The university also includes
the College of Allied Health Professions. The university has a student
enrollment of 1,545.
Philip Pumerantz, president of Western University said, “”Dr.
Charney’s efforts on behalf of the university are much appreciated.
During his tenure, Western University has grown, developed, and matured.
Dr. Charney’s energy, intellect, and loyalty have been unequalled.””
Shirley D. Johnston, PhD, DVM, dean of the College of Veterinary
Medicine, said, “”The College of Veterinary Medicine opened during the
years of Dr. Charney’s leadership as Executive Vice President of Academic
Affairs. I am very grateful for his wisdom, guidance, and support during
these formative years for the college.””
Kay Kalousek, DO, assistant professor of family medicine and
chair of the COMP curriculum committee said, “”As a DO (Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine) physician interested in academic medicine, Dr.
Charney has been an inspiration to me showing ways that physicians can
train future DOs. He has always demonstrated an interest in our projects
in family medicine and is always available for guidance.””
“”I first met Dr. Charney when he assisted Dr. Pumerantz in
teaching the master of health science program here at Western
University,”” said Nancy Nielson-Brown, PA-C, assistant professor in the
Physician Assistant Studies in the College of Allied Health Professions.
He was approachable and engaged in teaching this course. Dr. Charney is
committed to the university, to developing faculty and leaders in the
profession. He is always willing to go the extra mile for students.””
Charney, a native of Brooklyn, New York, trained as an
osteopathic physician at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
and specialized in anesthesiology. He began his career as a family
practice physician and went on to become a hospital administrator
including ten years as medical director and chief medical officer at
Kennedy Memorial Hospital University Medical Center in Stratford, New
Jersey.
Charney joined the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
at Western University in 1997 as Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and
Research. He became Vice Dean of COMP in 1999 and was promoted to the
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Operating Officer
later that year. The deans of the five colleges and the dean of student
affairs report to Charney along with the Vice President of Advancement.
Charney’s duties will change on January 20 as he becomes Special
Assistant to the President to work on a number of projects at the
university before he retires. Ben Cohen, DO, Interim Dean of COMP, will
take on a dual role as Interim Dean and as the Interim Chief Academic
Officer and Chief Operating Officer until both positions are filled.
