David C. Miller — a urologist, surgeon and a nationally recognized expert in urological oncology, quality improvement and health services research — will become the University of Michigan’s executive vice president for medical affairs and chief executive officer of Michigan Medicine.
The appointment, which the Board of Regents approved Sept. 19, is effective July 1, 2025. Miller will succeed Marschall S. Runge, who has served as executive vice president for medical affairs and Michigan Medicine CEO since March 2015, and dean of the Medical School since January 2016.
Miller currently is the executive vice dean of clinical affairs for the Medical School and president of U-M Health, overseeing all aspects of strategic, operational, clinical, cultural and financial performance for Michigan Medicine’s clinical enterprise, including nearly 2,000 physicians and 140 clinics at 40 sites within the health system.
“Dr. Miller is an extraordinary leader, a brilliant researcher and the kind of doctor we all hope for when we need exemplary care,” President Santa J. Ono said. “His robust clinical background, his collaborative and empathic approach, his understanding of the intricacies of patient care, and his strong strategic vision make him the clear choice for this important leadership role.
“I am confident he will continue to drive innovation and improvements to ensure Michigan Medicine continues to be a beacon of research, teaching, learning and healing far into the future.”
Miller’s appointment follows an engagement process and a July stakeholder survey that gathered 2,000 responses about challenges and opportunities for U-M’s health and medical enterprises.
Runge was the first individual in U-M history to serve in all three medical leadership roles. He announced in July that he will retire from leadership June 30, 2025, and will remain a member of the faculty. When Runge steps down, the Medical School dean will become a separate role. Details about the position and the search process will be announced in the future.
“I am humbled by this immense opportunity,” Miller said. “I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Runge for his leadership, mentorship and tireless work on behalf of our doctors, nurses, staff, students and, most especially, our patients.
“I am also deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue working with our extraordinary team members across Michigan Medicine — who give so much of themselves every day — to positively impact the lives of the patients and communities that entrust us with their care.
“Moving forward, I am committed to working intentionally and collaboratively with colleagues from across the health system, Medical School and the broader university to ensure that the University of Michigan retains its position as the place where patients want to receive care, colleagues want to work, discover and educate, and students want to learn.”
In his current role since 2021, Miller led U-M Health through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic with a spirit of continuous improvement, collaborative problem-solving and resolute teamwork.
In support of Michigan Medicine’s tripartite mission, Miller worked with team members to implement multiyear strategic priorities focused on belonging and inclusion, access, safety and quality, experience for patients and team members, strategic growth and financial sustainability.
He has led the evolving integration of the health system’s statewide network, including UM Health-Sparrow and UM Health-West. He has also guided the expansion of ambulatory care services with the new Ypsilanti Health Center — set to open in 2025 — and a planned multispecialty health center in Troy, while also advancing innovative clinical programs including specialty pharmacy and hospital care at home.
Across all these activities, Miller has focused on enhancing an inclusive environment and furthering commitments to the environment, sustainability and community engagement.
Prior to his current role, Miller was chief clinical officer for University Hospital and the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. He joined the U-M faculty in 2008 and currently is a professor of urology.
Miller received his medical training at the Washington University School of Medicine and served his residency in U-M’s urology department. His research training includes a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology from U-M, and completion of health services research fellowships at U-M and the University of California, Los Angeles/RAND Corp.
