Sue Loughlin
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
David R. Doerr, president and chief executive officer of Union Hospital, Inc., will step down from that position effective Sept. 1.
Scott Teffeteller, hospital chief operating officer, will serve as interim CEO pending a national search to fill that position.
In April, Doerr announced his retirement effective June 1, 2011.
“As health reform initiatives call for greater physician/hospital alignment, the development of Union Health System has taken on greater urgency,” said John Lukens, chairman of the Union Hospital board of directors. “It makes sense for us to make this shift now to more fully respond to the changing environment. The board has asked Mr. Doerr to consider a leadership role with UHS and he has agreed to do so. Details are being finalized at this time.”
Doerr said in a news release that “this move to health system development is consistent with the career plans that I had when announcing my retirement. I’m pleased to have that opportunity with UHS here in Terre Haute.”
Neither Doerr nor Lukens were immediately available for comment late Wednesday afternoon.
A nation-wide search for Union Hospital’s CEO is underway and expected to be complete by December.
Doerr, 62, has been with Union Hospital since 1987. He was appointed interim CEO in September 1999 and in February 2000 was promoted to president and chief executive officer.
Teffeteller has been the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Union since 2006. Prior to this appointment at Union Hospital, he worked for both for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals and surgical centers in metropolitan and rural communities during his 17 years in health care.
Last October, Union Hospital and UAP Clinic announced they had partnered to create an integrated health system, Union Health System (UHS). The partnership took effect Nov. 1.
Both entities work under the new umbrella organization Union Health System, a not-for-profit entity that provides guidance for both the hospital and clinic.
Officials said at the time that by joining forces, Union and UAP could eliminate duplication of some medical tests, reduce paperwork for patients and enjoy greater buying power. Ultimately, they said, the new alliance would provide improved patient care.
Also at the time, the Tribune-Star reported that Doerr was the new CEO and chairman of Union Health System, making him effectively the “boss” of the new joint Union/UAP alliance.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
