Robert F. Wilson, MD, is the new Cardiovascular Executive Medical Director for Minneapolis-based University of Minnesota Physicians. Wilson will provide physician leadership and strategic direction for a cardiovascular program that was created last fall when the cardiologists at The Minnesota Heart Clinic joined the cardiovascular division at University of Minnesota Physicians to provide cardiovascular services throughout the Fairview Health Services system. More than 43 physicians comprise cardiology services at University of Minnesota Physicians.

Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology, Wilson brings more than 20 years experience in cardiovascular medicine and research, including founding several cardiovascular technology companies during his tenure. He earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, and has been on the University of Minnesota Medical Center staff since 1986.

“Robert Wilson brings a wealth of medical knowledge and operational expertise to this position,” says Roby C. Thompson, MD, Chief Executive Officer for University of Minnesota Physicians. “I am confident that through Dr. Wilson’s leadership we will foster an innovative clinical environment dedicated to improving patient outcomes and award-winning cardiovascular care.”

As Executive Medical Director, Wilson oversees the clinical delivery of professional services, recruitment and implementation of the overall strategic plan of the cardiovascular program in partnership with Fairview. Wilson maintains his faculty appointment as Professor, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
 
Award-winning heart care
The newly integrated cardiology program brings community and academic physicians together to create one of the largest programs in the state. Together they provide a full continuum of world-class care options from prevention and treatment of heart disease to heart transplantation and the latest medical research.

The award-winning program is recognized for key clinical quality indicators in cardiac care. The University of Minnesota Medical Center is rated in the top 50 hospitals nationally for heart and heart surgery in U.S. News and World Report’s 2008 “Best Hospitals” rankings. Independent health care ratings organization, HealthGrades rated Minnesota Heart Clinic and Edina-based Fairview Southdale Hospital number one in Minnesota in cardiology and cardiac care in 2007 and 2008. Thomson Reuters recently named the same to its list of top 100 cardiovascular hospitals in the country. 970 hospitals were evaluated based on their performance in treating heart failure, heart attacks, bypass surgery and angioplasties.

Nationally known Leapfrog Group named Fairview Southdale Hospital to its list of “Highest Value” cardiovascular hospitals in 2008, one of 13 in the nation to have a top efficiency of care score for open-heart surgery, coronary angioplasty, treatment of heart attack and pneumonia care.

To learn more about award-winning heart care, visit fairview.org/heartcareformn.

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