University President Mary Sue Coleman recently chose Dr. Robert P. Kelch to lead the University of Michigan Health System, pending approval of the Board of Regents.

Kelch will be returning to the University after nearly nine years of serving at various health administrations at the University of Iowa. He will also succeed Lazar Greenfield, M.D. as executive vice president of medical affairs for the University.

"Returning to my alma mater to help lead one of the world's best medical centers is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for me. I am eager to rejoin the Michigan team and I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to work once again with President Coleman," Kelch said in a written statement.

Kelch will be coming to the University after most recently serving as vice president of health affairs at the University of Iowa.

"Bob Kelch is an outstanding administrator and physician-scientist who is eminently qualified to lead our health system," President Coleman said in a written statement. "I had the distinct pleasure of working with Bob at the University of Iowa and I saw firsthand his accomplishments as dean and vice president," Coleman added.

As head of UMHS, Kelch will oversee all of the University's hospitals and health centers, the Medical School and the M-CARE managed care organization.

"Today, all academic health centers are confronted with daunting challenges. However, the numerous strengths and stability of the University of Michigan Health System position it well for a future replete with successes," Kelch said.

Kelch's own achievements are many. As a noted endocrinologist, he has been published in over 110 scientific publications and was elected to the presitigious Institute of Medicine in 1996. He also said he has also been a past chairman of the American Board of Pediatrics.

Kelch currently chairs the advisory panel on research for the American Association of Medical Colleges.

Kelch's term will begin Sept. 15 if he is approved by the Regents.