Maves to end leadership at AMA next June

CHICAGO The Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association and Michael Maves, AMA EVP and CEO, have mutually decided that Maves will complete his leadership of the AMA when his current contract ends June 30, 2011.

"Under Dr. Maves' leadership, the American Medical Association restored its financial stability, weathered the recession and implemented a number of critical initiatives to improve quality of care, increase access to care and establish a fair system of payment for physicians within the Medicare program,” stated Ardis Hoven, AMA chairman. "As we enter into a new era that is redefining the way health care is delivered, both Maves and the board of trustees share the belief that new top leadership is required to address these challenges and to ensure the rights of patients and physicians are passionately and effectively protected."

During his tenure, Maves led important multi-association efforts, such as the "Scope of Practice Partnership," a coalition of national medical specialty organizations and state medical societies established by the AMA to clarify the roles and capabilities of nonphysician healthcare providers. 

The AMA board will engage an executive search firm to identify the next physician executive to lead the AMA and expects a new EVP/CEO to be in place by the conclusion of Maves' contract. In the interim, Bernard Hengesbaugh, AMA COO, will partner with Maves to ensure a seamless transition. No additional executive changes are expected.

Maves has served as the AMA chief executive since 2001. Prior to AMA, Maves was president for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.