LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor Takes Job in Illinois

LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor Robert Barish is leaving the medical school to take a job in Illinois.

Dr. Barish has been named the new Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs for the University of Illinois at Chicago, pending formal approval by the system's Board of Trustees. He'll assume the new role January 1.

LSU President F. King Alexander thanks Dr. Barish for his contributions to LSUHS and notes his accomplishments, which include attaining full accreditation from the institution's two primary accrediting agencies last year and instituting a strategic plan to grow the medical school enrollment.

"While we will miss Dr. Barish's leadership and presence at LSU Health Shreveport, we wish him the best in his new role at UIC," Alexander said in a news release. "Filling his role here will be one of our highest priorities."

At UIC, Dr. Barish will oversee the 495-bed hospital, as well as numerous clinics and health centers operated by UIC. He'll also be responsible for seven health science colleges located on the UIC campus and at regional campuses in Rockford, Peoria, Quad Cities, Urbana and Springfield.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Louisiana and have many fond memories of this special and unique southern city. I am grateful for the warm welcome and kindness shown to me and my family over the last six-and-a-half years," Dr. Barish said. "While I am looking forward to new challenges, I will miss Louisiana, but I will always carry with me the invaluable lessons gained from the Louisiana people and the southern lifestyle I have come to love."

Dr. Barish thanks the LSU administration, faculty, area legislators, physicians and business leaders for their support.

"This is a great institution and I will continue to do my best to help Shreveport and LSU in any way I can," he said.