UPMC names new president of Center for Emergency Medicine

UPMC appointed a new president of the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, which focuses on prehospital care and paramedic services.

James Houser will succeed Doug Garretson, who retired in October.

Houser will run the critical care air ambulance service, STAT MedEvac, with helicopters throughout the Western Pennsylvania region, along with more sites in Ohio, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The center maintains aircraft and employs more than 400 people, according to a news release, including pilots, mechanics, aviation specialists, educators and administrators. It operates an Office of Education and a Center for Research in Emergency Medical Services.

“I am honored to have been selected to lead such an outstanding team of dedicated men and women,” Houser said in a statement.

Houser joined the center in 2016 and most recently served as senior director of medical operations and chief clinical officer. Before UPMC, he was vice president at MedFlight, a critical care transport organization based in Columbus, Ohio.

“Jim brings over 20 years of industry experience and a diverse background in the field of critical care transport to this role,” John Innocenti, president of UPMC Presbyterian and Shadyside, said in a statement. “His dedication and commitment make him the ideal leader to enhance the CEM’s reputation as a world leader in Emergency Medicine care, education and research.”