McGill University Health Centre Names New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the McGill University Health Centre announced today the appointment of Dr. Arthur Porter as Executive Director.

"A radiation oncologist with extensive clinical, research and administrative experience in a university teaching hospital environment, Dr. Porter brings a unique blend of medical practice, management and business acumen to his new assignment," explained Mr. Culver, Chairman of the Board. "We are confident that he has the skills, vision and background required to lead the MUHC in the years ahead."

Most recently, from 1999 to 2003, Dr. Porter was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Medical Centre, a $1.6 billion health system that is the teaching and clinical research site for Wayne State University School of Medicine, the fourth largest medical college in the United States. In this capacity, Dr. Porter effectively reorganized care giving within this multi-site institution and oversaw the installation of modern hospital information systems. He also spearheaded a successful campaign to secure public funding for the care of the indigent and the commitment of the State of Michigan to form a Public Health Authority.

"I am delighted to be joining an internationally recognized university hospital and to be part of a first rate team of health care professionals and academics," stated Dr. Porter. "I am delighted to be returning to Canada and to have the opportunity to contribute to maintaining and strengthening health care services for Montrealers and Quebecers."

Originally from Sierra Leone, Dr. Porter is a graduate of the Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine in Cambridge, England. He also earned a masters degree in natural sciences from the same university. He holds a masters degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee and certificates in medical management from Harvard University and the University of Toronto. He is an author of more than 300 research articles published in peer-reviewed journals chapters in books and in proceedings of conferences. He is credited with introducing several novel concepts to radiation therapy. His major areas of academic endeavors relate to medical uses of radioactive isotopes and the treatment of prostate cancer.

From 1986-88, Dr. Porter served as Chief Resident in Radiation Oncology and later as Senior Radiation Oncologist at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. During this period, he was Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta. In 1988 through to 1991, he held the position of Chief of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the London Regional Cancer Centre and later Chairman of the Department of Oncology at Victoria Hospital Corporation. He was a member of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Western Ontario.

In 1991 Dr. Porter moved to Detroit, Michigan where he was Chief of the Gershenson Radiation Oncology Centre at Harper Hospital and Radiation Oncologist-in-chief at the Detroit Medical Centre among other clinical leadership positions. He was a faculty member at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Over the next several years, the MUHC is determined to maintain and exceed its standards of excellence in patient care, research and teaching. It is also committed to ensuring that the MUHC Redevelopment Plan including the new facility at the Glen site becomes a reality. Another key challenge is to build an effective network of health care institutions for the community it serves.

"With his dedication to advancing medical knowledge and practice and his commitment to building effective academic health organizations, Dr. Porter brings new energy and vision to the MUHC and to the larger network of McGill and Quebec health care institutions," said Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal of McGill University.

Dr. Porter has held leadership positions in a number of professional organizations and has been frequently honoured for his contribution to health care. He was named one of the Best Doctors in America for eight consecutive years from 1992-2000 and received the Physicians Recognition Award from the American Medical Association in 1986.

Dr. Porter has served as a consultant to the World Health Organization and has worked to establish international medical research and treatment programs in Turkey, India, Yemen and throughout Europe.

Dr. Porter will assume his new responsibilities on April 5 following an intensive immersion to improve his French language skills.