Clary named director of Center for Rural Health

The following communication was distributed by Lee Ann Liska, executive vice president for health affairs and chief executive officer, Augusta University Medical Center.

I am pleased to announce that Catherine Clary has been named Director of the Center for Rural Health Study and Support.  In this role, she will be working with rural hospitals and providers to identify needs and issues in the rural community.  Catherine will collaborate with Augusta University faculty and staff, as well as with other organizations, to find possible solutions to the challenges of rural  health care delivery and stabilization.

In 2016, Augusta University President, Brooks Keel, convened a task force to identify the problems that threaten the survival of our rural hospitals and develop recommendations as to how Augusta University can contribute to their sustainability.  In response to the task force recommendations, the Center for Rural Health Support and Study was established.  Dr. William P. Kanto Jr., Vice President for Clinical Outreach, who chaired the task force and assisted in the founding of the Center, will collaborate with Ms. Clary in achieving the goals of the Center, including statewide coordination of clinical and educational outreach with multidisciplinary research.

Catherine has worked as a physician liaison in the Department of Partnerships and Strategic Affiliations for the past two years.  Previously, she practiced law in Atlanta, working in government relations and corporate law.   Please join me in congratulating Catherine on her new role.

Lee Ann Liska, MBA, FACHE
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs
Chief Executive Officer, AU Medical Center