Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger appointed a well-known longtime surgeon and mentor to physicians in training to Erlanger Health System's board of trustees.
Dr. R. Phillip Burns, of University Surgical Associates, is certified through the American Board of Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and professor and chairman of the Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga.
"He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience" to the volunteer post, Coppinger said during the Hamilton County Commission meeting Wednesday. "I can't remember having a more qualified candidate."
Coppinger said he selected Burns because "he has a love for Erlanger," he understands the hospital's importance to this community and is well respected among physicians.
Commissioner Chip Baker called it "a great move."
"He's made that hospital what it is," Baker said. "He's the one who's kept the glue through all the changes of administration. He's the one constant."
Erlanger Chief Executive Officer Kevin Spiegel praised Coppinger's recommendation.
"He has provided more leadership and direction for not only the department of surgery but for the entire hospital, and on behalf of myself and the whole board, we're excited Dr. Burns is joining."
Burns' appointment still needs to be approved, "but I'm sure it will be," Spiegel said. "What a legacy to his career." The commission will vote on it next week.
Burns will succeed Jack Studer, who resigned from the board after his term as chairman ended.
The 11-member board oversees the health system. Members serve for four-year terms. The county mayor appoints six trustees while the legislative delegation appoints four.
Other board members include Chairman Mike Griffin, Vice Chairman Phil Smartt Jr., Secretary Linda Moss Mines, Steve Angle, Dr. Blaise Baxter, Sheila Boyington, Henry Hoss, Jim Sattler and Gerald Webb. The hospital's chief of staff, Dr. Jim Bolton, also serves on the board.
Contact staff writer Elizabeth Fite at efite@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.