Freischlag Named School of Medicine Dean, High Appointed Health System President

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Feb. 9, 2018 – Julie Ann Freischlag, M.D., has accepted the position of dean of Wake Forest School of Medicine in addition to her role as CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and Kevin P. High, M.D., has been named president of Wake Forest Baptist Health, the Medical Center’s regional clinical system, it was announced today.

Freischlag, who became Wake Forest Baptist’s CEO in May 2017, has been serving as interim dean of the School of Medicine since July.

“When I took on the role as interim dean it was to develop an inside perspective on the School of Medicine, to build relationships with faculty and to advance our culture as a learning health care system that builds synergies across every enterprise,” Freischlag said. ”Serving the dual roles has been highly beneficial, bringing together the complex pieces and opportunities of our Medical Center and seeing the whole effectively.”

High has been the Medical Center’s executive vice president, health system affairs, since April 2015 and prior to that he was chair of internal medicine.

During High’s tenure Wake Forest Baptist Health’s clinical footprint has grown to include Cornerstone Health Care, Wilkes Medical Center, the 50-bed inpatient wing at Davie Medical Center and Alleghany Health, in a partnership with Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital. His team has expanded the Medical Center’s clinical reach through telemedicine and population health initiatives and has directed efforts addressing virtually every aspect of patient care and experience.

“Kevin is a great partner and leader for Wake Forest Baptist,” Freischlag said. “It would not be possible for me to serve in the dual roles of CEO and dean without his guidance and support and that of the stellar leadership team within Wake Forest School of Medicine.”

SOURCE: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center