Share this story

Reception to celebrate UMass Memorial’s departing president

Ettinger honored for ‘rich legacy’ of commitment to patient care

ettinger_new_vp.jpg
Walter H. Ettinger Jr., MD

A reception honoring Walter H. Ettinger Jr., MD, the departing president of UMass Memorial Medical Center, will be held in the Faculty Conference Room on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m.; the speaking program will begin at 3:30. 

“Walt leaves a rich legacy at our Medical Center, most notably his unwavering commitment to always do what is right for our patients,” said John G. O’Brien, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, in announcing Dr. Ettinger’s departure. “His focus on the quality and safety of care is deeply rooted.”

Ettinger leaves UMass Memorial Medical Center after eight years as president to become senior vice president of Accretive Health, a health care services and technology company that partners with health systems across the nation to more efficiently manage their revenue cycle operations, improve the quality of care and reduce health care costs. Accretive Health, headquartered in Chicago, works with a wide range of providers, including academic medical centers, community hospitals, independent ambulatory clinics and physician practice groups.

“Walt’s legacy also includes his close partnership with the Medical School to ensure the fulfillment of our shared missions,” said O’Brien. “A teacher at heart, Walt strengthened our focus on educating tomorrow’s providers, and helped build our program of clinical research to better ensure that our patients benefit from the novel treatments delivered by our own UMass Medical School scientists and others.”

In addition to his role as president of the Medical Center, Ettinger is professor of medicine and since 2007 served as associate dean for clinical and population health research.