A leadership search is currently underway at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) for a new Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences. This position was previously held by David Lubarsky, who retired in February. Bruce Lee Hall is serving as the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Clinical Officer for UC Davis Health.
The new vice chancellor will report directly to Chancellor Gary S. May. As the search progresses, Chancellor May has provided insights into the role’s significance within UC Davis Health.
Chancellor May stated that “the Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences oversees the UC Davis Health system in Sacramento,” with responsibilities including leading both the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing. He emphasized that UC Davis Health is undergoing transformative growth with projects like 48X, an outpatient surgery center expanding patient care space on the Sacramento campus, and the new Folsom Medical Building set to open later this summer. Additionally, construction is ongoing for the California Tower on the Sacramento campus, expected to open by 2030.
“The broader health care landscape is evolving,” May noted, impacting UC Davis Health’s operations. The institution has completed its most recent strategic plan and aims to define its next chapter while navigating a complex environment.
“We are looking for a visionary, strategic and thoughtful leader,” May said about the ideal candidate for guiding UC Davis Health into the future. This leader should work collaboratively with various stakeholders while ensuring operational excellence and advancing facilities and clinical capabilities.
Several priorities await the new vice chancellor’s attention during their first 12-18 months. These include optimizing current spaces, expanding access to care, launching a forward-looking strategic plan, recruiting key leadership roles such as a new dean for the School of Medicine, and addressing federal funding challenges.
Chancellor May highlighted that “this role spans both UC Davis and UC Davis Health” and requires a leader who can effectively bridge academic, research, and clinical missions. The position demands collaboration with the main campus in Davis while understanding education, research, and high-quality clinical care as complementary priorities.
Looking ahead three to five years, success for the new vice chancellor will be measured by continued momentum in elevating UC Davis Health’s profile locally and nationally. This includes expanding access to care, deepening partnerships with researchers and industry, maintaining financial stability amid complex health care economics, and earning national recognition for research and patient care.
“This is an extraordinary moment to join UC Davis,” May remarked regarding what might attract top candidates globally. He cited Northern California’s growing demand for expertise across more than 30 counties as a significant factor in shaping how UC Davis progresses as a health system.
More information about this recruitment process can be found on the Leadership website.
