UNC Health CEO Wesley Burks to Step Down, Focusing on Children's Hospital Project

Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health and Dean of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, has announced his decision to step down from his leadership roles effective September 1, 2025. This move comes as Burks shifts his focus to the development of North Carolina Children's Hospital, a collaborative project between UNC and Duke Health, while also attending to family matters.

Leadership Transition and Interim Appointment

Cristy Page, currently serving as the president of UNC Health Enterprises and chief academic officer, will assume the role of interim CEO and dean following Burks' departure. The health system has initiated plans for a comprehensive search to identify a permanent successor, collaborating with the broader UNC System and UNC-Chapel Hill.

North Carolina Children's Hospital Project

Burks' decision to step down is partly motivated by his commitment to the newly announced partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health. The $2 billion project aims to establish the state's first dedicated children's hospital, with groundbreaking expected in 2027. The 500-bed facility is projected to become operational sometime in the 2030s, marking a significant advancement in pediatric care for the region.

Challenges Facing Academic Health Systems

The incoming CEO will inherit a complex landscape of challenges facing academic health systems, including:

1. Pressure to modify diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
2. Regulations surrounding gender-affirming care
3. Potential cuts to research funding

UNC Health has already undergone changes in response to state-level directives, including the replacement of its DEI department with a Community Health and Engagement department. The health system has also implemented adjustments to medical school roles and curricula to comply with mandates from the UNC System Board of Governors.

Research agendas at UNC Health face uncertainty due to potential funding cuts. The health system previously reported that it could lose up to $150 million in funds following proposed changes to indirect funding for medical research and National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. While a 15% cap on indirect research funds is currently paused due to ongoing litigation, the future of research funding remains uncertain.

As UNC Health, comprising 20 hospitals and over 900 clinics, navigates these challenges, the search for a new leader capable of steering the organization through evolving healthcare landscapes will be crucial for its continued success and growth.