The Michigan State Medical Society has named Tom George, MD, as Interim CEO to replace Julie Novak, who recently announced the end of her 33 year working partnership with the organization. As a long-time MSMS member, former state legislator, and practicing physician, Doctor George has the kind of unique expertise and experience that will make him an immediate and invaluable asset to the Michigan State Medical Society and its member physicians across the state. Poised to provide leadership and direction from day one of his tenure, Doctor George intends to focus a great deal of his efforts on ensuring the association is meeting the needs of its members. “I’ve been a practicing physician and member of the Michigan State Medical Society for 37 years now,” said Doctor George. “And over the years, there’s been no question that MSMS has made a significant and positive difference in shaping our state’s health care landscape through its advocacy efforts on behalf of Michigan’s physicians and the patients they serve. I intend to see that this society continues to provide that same kind of value and service to its members. That effort will be rooted in building strong peer-to-peer, doctor-to-doctor relationships with current, prospective, and former MSMS members throughout the state.”
His leadership comes at a fortuitous time for the society. With sweeping changes coming to Lansing’s political landscape, Doctor George’s decade of experience serving as an elected member of Michigan’s legislature will prove invaluable as MSMS works to position itself to best advocate for its members and promote the public health of Michigan’s citizens. “Changing leadership in Lansing presents new
challenges, but also new opportunities for this society to make a real difference in the ongoing efforts to implement policies that will positively impact Michigan physicians and patients,” said Doctor George. “And while the political landscape may be shifting, our fundamental goal of working to promote the health of citizens of Michigan remains unchanged.” In addition to being a practicing physician at Kalamazoo Anesthesiology P.C., Doctor George also serves as CoChairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine. He has previously served as president of the Kalamazoo County Medical Society, the Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Historical Society of Michigan. While serving as Interim CEO of MSMS, Doctor George will continue practicing on a limited, part-time basis.