Immediate (Tuesday, May 09, 2006)

Collin Parker
Fletcher Allen Public Relations
802-847-2886

Ruth Uphold, M.D., to Step Down After 25 Years of Leadership

BURLINGTON, VT - Fletcher Allen Health Care today announced the appointment of Emergency Department Attending Physician Stephen Leffler, M.D., as medical director of the Emergency Department, effective September 30, 2006.  He will take over for Ruth Uphold, M.D., who has decided to step down after 25 years as medical director.

Dr. Leffler, a native of Brandon, Vermont, has treated patients in Fletcher Allen's Emergency Department for the past 13 years.  He is also an associate professor of Surgery at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and serves as president of the Vermont Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.  Dr. Leffler received his medical degree from the University of Vermont, and he underwent his residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of New Mexico.

"I'm looking forward to building on the excellence that Dr. Uphold has established," said Dr. Leffler.  "And it's an honor to be able to continue serving the patients in this community."

Dr. Uphold successfully led the Emergency Department through two transitions, first into the McClure building in 1986 and then into the new Ambulatory Care Center last year.  She also played a pivotal role in establishing the electronic medical record for the Emergency Department.  A resident of Charlotte, she will continue to see patients on a limited basis.

 "Being the medical director has been a wonderful career for me," she said.  "I'm very proud of my colleagues and the care we deliver.  I am confident that Steve will continue our tradition of excellent care."

Dr. Leffler currently resides in Hinesburg with his wife and two children.