Ihor S Sawczuk MD FACS Named President of Academics Research and Innovation
Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., FACS has been named president of Academics, Research and Innovation reporting directly to the chief executive officer.
In this newly created role of president of Academics, Research And Innovation, Ihor will be responsible for the strategic direction and growth of all aspects of academia, research and innovation across the network. This includes providing oversight, guidance and support to all academic hospitals, allied health and medical training programs, and ensuring quality, safety, consistency and efficiency throughout all curriculums. Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine will continue to be led by interim Dean Jeffrey Boscamp, M.D. and report directly to the chief executive officer.
In partnership with the chief scientific officer at the Center for Discovery and Innovation, Ihor will champion innovative research initiatives and introduce new products for commercialization, while maintaining pace with the health care industry and aligning with HMH’s mission and values. In addition, he will provide guidance to establish metrics to monitor the progress and implementation of research standards, strategize process improvements focused on innovative operational models and facilitate the translation of research efforts across the network to improve patient care.
An esteemed physician and sought-after educator, Ihor has been the recipient of numerous awards from prestigious academic and medical associations. He was the recipient of the Russell W. Lavengood Distinguished Service Award from the New York Section of the American Urological Association and was presented the prestigious Russell and Mary Hugh Scott Education Award by the American Foundation of Urologic Disease. In 1996, the office of the First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, recognized him for his Chernobyl humanitarian efforts.
Ihor has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the nation’s physician leaders of hospitals and health systems to know two years in a row. He was honored by the National Ethics Collection of Organizations as a recipient of the 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He served as president of the New York Medical & Surgical Society for the 2018-19 academic year.
Under Ihor’s leadership, Hackensack Meridian Health was named the top research center in the state by NJBIZ. In 2021, researchers at HMH published more than 1,000 papers in major journals with topics that spanned all specialities including COVID-19. In addition, more than 1,000 patients received the latest investigative treatments over the course of 10 clinical trials.
Ihor joined Hackensack University Medical Center in 2001, holding various leadership and clinical roles, including: president of the Northern Region, chief research and institutional officer, president of Hackensack University Medical Center and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, executive vice president and chief medical officer, vice president of Academic Affairs, chief of Urologic Oncology and chair of Urology. He is the associate dean of clinical integration, professor and chair emeritus of urology for Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Ihor has authored/co-authored more than 250 abstracts, articles and book chapters.