Following six years in the dual role of CEO of UNC Health and Dean of the UNC School of Medicine, Dr. Wesley Burks is stepping down. A pediatrician by training, Burks has announced his intention to focus his attention squarely on the development of NC Children’s, North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, which UNC Health is developing in partnership with Duke Health.
Following six years in the dual role of CEO of UNC Health and Dean of the UNC School of Medicine, Dr. Wesley Burks is stepping down. A pediatrician by training, Burks has announced his intention to focus his attention squarely on the development of NC Children’s, North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, which UNC Health is developing in partnership with Duke Health.
“It has been an incredible honor to lead UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine and to work alongside such dedicated, talented teammates. When I started my career, I never imagined I would end up in this place and in this role, but I can’t think of any better place to conclude my time as CEO and Dean,” Dr. Burks said.
The development of this freestanding children’s hospital has been a years’ long quest for Burks, whose advocacy within North Carolina was essential to the support the project has received from members of the state’s legislature.
“This is an unprecedented partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health, aimed at elevating the care that’s available for all children in North Carolina,” said Burks said. “I’m delighted to work with our colleagues at Duke to create something that will make all North Carolinians proud and change lives for generations to come.”
During Burks’ tenure, UNC Health has expanded its impact significantly by adding multiple hospitals, network providers and establishing new clinical and educational partnerships across the state to improve the health and well-being of the people of North Carolina. As Dean, he presided over a dramatic increase in the UNC School of Medicine’s research funding, with FY-24 totals nearing $650 million. He also helped to expand UNC School of Medicine’s educational footprint, working in partnership with Novant Health to establish research and training sites in the Wilmington, NC region. Within the health system, Burks has also been a champion of expanding behavioral health care, partnering with the State of North Carolina to develop and open a 54-bed Youth Behavioral Health Hospital.
In a piece published by the American Clinical and Climatological Association, Burks described his approach to leadership.
“Over the course of my tenure, I’ve found it helpful to focus on two people: a teammate and a patient. I face difficult decisions each day, but if a decision I make improves things for both of those people, I know I have made the right choice. I’ve also learned that in serving and leading others, it’s vital to show a great deal of empathy and grace to those around you, especially in trying times,” Burks wrote.
His tenure certainly included trying times, as Burks led UNC Health through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, thanks to Burks’ steady leadership, the system made it through the pandemic without experiencing workforce cuts or layoffs that impacted several health systems.
In addition to his measured approach, colleagues like Stephanie Duggins Davis, MD, Chair of the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics, praised Burks’ integrity.
“Wesley’s leadership, compassion, and thoughtful approach to problem solving have forever transformed UNC Health,” Davis said.
UNC System President Peter Hans has appointed Dr. Cristy Page, president of UNC Health Enterprises and chief academic officer, to serve as interim CEO and Dean when Dr. Burks steps down. The UNC System, UNC Health and UNC-Chapel Hill will then initiate a search for the next CEO and Dean.