Special Leadership Announcement
May 28, 2020
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It is with mixed emotions that we officially announce the retirement of
Robert F. Elder, MD, President of University Physicians’ Association,
Inc. (UPA) effective 12/31/2020.
UPA achieved great heights under the leadership of Dr. Elder. Prior to
UPA’s founding, he played an important role with the growth and
success of this organization to which he was actively involved in its
initial development. Upon UPA’s establishment in 1995, Dr. Elder
was elected by his physician peers to represent the specialty seat of
OB/GYN on the UPA Board of Directors. Two short years later he was named
Chair of the UPA Membership Committee in 1997 and was then elected UPA
Secretary. Parallel to the hospital and teaching appointments, his leadership
roles were widely recognized which advanced him into the physician elected
position as President of UPA. He has faithfully served as UPA President
since 2005.
Dr. Elder’s commitment to our health care organization has been exceptional
and we will certainly feel the impact of his stepping aside. We salute
him for his dedication to UPA but applaud him with his decision to spend
more time with his family and loved ones.
So, while saddened with his leaving, we are confident that he will find
the same success and happiness in his retirement.
When these business decisions are made, it is rare to find an exceptional
leader that can fulfill the obligations without fail.
UPA is fortunate to have leaders with such esteem.
We are therefore happy to formally announce that Amy B. Stevens, MD has
been appointed by UPA’s Governance as President of UPA. She and
Dr. Elder will transition business operations smoothly, as they have worked
together consistently in years past on major dealings and projects.
Dr. Stevens became a UPA Shareholder in 2001 upon her joining University
Family Physicians and following her teaching appointment in Family Medicine.
She quickly became recognized as a leader among her peers and was nominated
to represent the seat of Family Medicine on the UPA Board of Directors
in 2007. Dr. Stevens has passionately continued her clinical responsibilities
while further advancing her administrative roles between the hospital
and UPA. She has served champion with major products including clinical
integration (CI) which entailed her as a founding board member with University
Health Network (UHN), a combined CI network of UHS, Inc. leadership, UTMC
and UHS employed physicians, along with leadership of UPA and independent
physicians. She was nominated as Chair of the UHN Board of Directors and
has served in that leadership role since 2017.
With her passion, leadership skills, and sharp reputation alongside her
knowledge of UPA, the hospital and business partner entities, Dr. Stevens
will offer UPA a bright transition into future endeavors amid the challenges
which we continue to face in health care.
Dr. Stevens is a native of Knoxville beside her husband (Dr. Jeff Stevens)
and children who are active within the Knoxville communities.
Please join us in applauding Dr. Elder for his dedication and service as
he steps toward retirement and for Dr. Stevens as she advances further
into her leadership as UPA President.
UPA's Governing Association
Physician Established. Physician Led. Physician Owned.
UPA is supported by governing physicians and a highly-trained staff. We have
over 1,000 clinicians and 900 team members. Our office is based in Knoxville,
and we serve physician practices throughout Eastern Tennessee.
Our governance system at University Physicians’ Association, Inc.
(UPA) is as follows:
-
Board of Directors — The Board consists of 18 elected physicians serving 3-year terms
and are responsible for overseeing and managing the entire organization.
They ensure that our overall mission, goals, and objectives of the corporation
and interest of shareholders are met.
-
Contract & Finance Committee — The Contract & Finance Committee is a board-appointed committee
that identifies and oversees the managed care contract negotiations and
opportunities.
-
Membership Committee — The Membership Committee is appointed by Board members, and are
responsible for preparing recommendations for membership criteria and
identifying membership needs.
-
Planning & Marketing Committee — An appointed committee tasked with promoting the image and capabilities
of the corporation and its shareholders.
-
Clinical Integration Committee — The appointed members of the Clinical Integration Committee monitor
implementation of the Clinical Integration Program, including practice
guidelines and benchmarks.
-
Nominating Committee — The Nominating Committee consists of 3 primary care shareholders,
2 specialty care shareholders, 1 hospital-based shareholder who are responsible
for nominating from shareholders individuals to be considered for the
board of directors.
Call University Physicians’ Association, Inc.
at (865) 670-6700
to learn more about our healthcare solutions.