Raymond Watts, M.D., will take the role of interim chief executive officer of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System when David Hoidal resigns Jan. 4, the system announced.
Hoidal is leaving to spend more time with his family in the Midwest, according to UAB.
Watts, 54, is chair of neurology and president of the Health Services Foundation for the system. He served previously as vice chair of the department of neurology at Emory University.
Bob Rich, senior vice president, dean of the School of Medicine and vice chair of the health system, will lead the CEO search committee.
