Class of 1970 Commemorative Biographical Book

S T E V E N A . WA R T M A N

Continued

affairs at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio: basically, two full-time jobs as both a dean and provost-equivalent. An important lessons I learned in San Antonio was the necessity of developing a special “personal project” to offset the day-to-day rigors of my other responsibilities. I founded the Center for Ethics and Medical Humanities which is thriving today. One day I received a call from a senior head-hunter at Korn Ferry suggesting that I look at a position in Washington, D.C. This person just happened to have given me valuable career advice when I was looking for my first job. Trusting his opinion, I looked at the position in D.C. and then spent the next 13 years as President and CEO of the Association of Academic Health Centers. I embraced the role of a recognized thought leader, established a strong international branch, and was able to become a trusted confidant for leaders in academic medicine and healthcare worldwide. Of the various awards that I have garnered along the way, I am proud to have received the 2015 Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Distinguished Medical Alumnus Award.

My decision to step down from full-time employment in 2018 was the result of two conclusions reached after considerable thought: that it was time to do more personal (as opposed to professional) activities, and the observation that institutions, as well as humans, have life cycles – in short to focus on other kinds of life’s challenges. To date, I am still adjusting and working on life plans as well as future personal and professional activities. Gina and I have recently relocated to the Boston area to be closer to Gina’s roots in Providence and our closest friends. We also take great pride in our granddaughter, Olivia (approaching age 3), and try to see her (along with her parents!) in Long Beach, California as much as we can. Stepping down from full-time employment has not (yet) been easy for me. As Gina and I pursue other activities, I am hopeful to find a path that allows me to “pay it forward.” I am grateful to have been part of the Hopkins tradition.

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