After resigning from his post as president of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in December, Dr. William F. Owen Jr. today announced he has been appointed CEO of Sidra Medical and Research Center, a developing Qatar-based hospital, research and education institution focused on women and children’s health, effective Aug. 5.
On arrival, Owen will plan, commission and launch a new 400-bed, all-digital care facility, funded by a $7.9 billion endowment from Qatar Foundation to provide integrated patient care and scientific discovery through biomedical research and education.
“Sidra is positioned to set new standards in patient care for women and children, changing the face of health care in the Gulf Region and beyond,” Owen said in the announcement. “I look forward to building and leading one of the best interprofessional teams in the world. The opportunity to be a part of this world class academic medical and research center is a privilege and an honor.”
Owen’s background includes 12 years as a clinical and academic staff physician with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston. Throughout his career, Owen has received several million dollars in funding for his biomedical research programs and served as chair of the National Kidney Foundation of Singapore’s international medical advisory board, which increased revenues from $17 million to $116 million, established 21 dialysis centers, created national disease education programs and funded several research units.
Owen cut short his most recent role as president of UMDNJ when he abruptly left his post on Dec. 31 — six months before his contract that began in July 2007 was set to expire.
In a statement, Mohamad Fathy Saoud, vice chairman of Sidra and president of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, said Owen’s “knowledge of academic medical centers, record of success in developing patient-centered clinical environments and commitment to innovation in all aspects of health care will be a tremendous asset as we launch.”
Owen could not be immediately reached for comment.
