Effective August 15, 2024, Senator Steven Urquhart will cease his functions as chair of the Utah Area Health Education Centers (UAHEC), after six years of service. He was appointed chair by former director Michael Magill, MD.
Senator Urquhart was instrumental in supporting efforts to increase both the visibility and funding of Utah AHEC. His know-how helped the organization connect with and educate decision-makers about UAHEC’s mission and strategic goals.
“As the new executive director, it meant a great deal to have your validation and guidance. I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the time, dedication, and expertise you have shared with us. Your insights and leadership have been invaluable, and your contributions have significantly shaped our success. Please know that you will always be a part of the Utah AHEC family,” said Utah AHEC Executive Director Ivette Amelia López, PhD, MPH.
As Senator Urquhart closes his time with the Utah AHEC Board, the organization welcomes the new board co-chairs: Yasmen Simonian, PhD, and José E. Rodríguez, MD.
Dr. Simonian is the dean of Health Professions at Weber State University and has been on the board for over two decades. “I am honored to serve an organization that has distinguished itself as a workforce development force, particularly providing education supplementation that goes beyond accreditation standards,” she said.
Dr. Rodríguez has been on the board for five years and serves as vice president for Health Sciences Workforce Excellence at the University of Utah. “Utah needs a collaborating organization that seeks the best health professional education (including clinicians and non-clinicians) across all the state institutions of learning. Utah AHEC does not duplicate efforts, nor does it waste resources,” he said.
The new co-chairs will begin their tenure this month. Acknowledgments will be celebrated in person at the 9th Annual Utah Primary Care Summit reception on October 17, 2024.