New vice chair, director of administration joins UF department of surgery

mcdowellThe department of surgery in the University of Florida’s College of Medicine welcomes Lonn McDowell, M.H.A., as the new vice chair and director of administration. Mr. McDowell, who earned his master’s degree in health administration and his bachelor’s degree at UF, is a fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

He previously worked in the health care division of Navigant Consulting, providing practice management services and leading performance improvement initiatives at health systems and medical practice groups in at least seven different states, as well as supervising other consultants. In addition, Mr. McDowell has worked in health administration at Munroe Regional Health System, the Florida division of the American Cancer Society and two North Central Florida specialty practice groups.

He served as an adjunct faculty member at UF’s College of Public Health and Health Professions from 2005 to 2010, teaching masters of health administration students in the department of health services research, management and policy.

Mr. McDowell also is a member of the American Society for Quality, the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“We are delighted to have Lonn McDowell join us,” said Kevin Behrns, M.D., chairman of the department and the Edward R. Woodward professor of surgery. “We will be the beneficiary of his experience managing large physician practices, and his unique perspective will help us develop innovative administrative approaches. Importantly, he strives for engagement of faculty and staff, and his teamwork-first approach will add synergy to our efforts. We welcome Lonn back to his roots as a Gator alumnus.”

Please join us in welcoming Mr. McDowell to the department of surgery and back to the University of Florida.