November 20, 2008
Harborview legend Michael Copass begins leadership transition
Dr. Michael K. Copass has retired from his role as director of Emergency Services at Harborview Medical Center and medical director of Airlift Northwest, effective Monday, Nov. 17. Although he has stepped down from these specific roles, he will remain active at Harborview (60% time) as medical director of Seattle Medic One and director of paramedic training. He will also continue to see patients in the Neurology Clinic.
Copass is renowned for his contributions to the field of emergency medicine. As director of Emergency Services at Harborview since 1973, he has established one of the top trauma centers in the world. He is also internationally acclaimed for his pioneering work in pre-hospital emergency care with Seattle Medic One since the early 1970s and as the founder of Airlift Northwest in 1982.
“Dr. Copass is an icon in this community,” said Johnese Spisso, UW vice president for medical affairs and UW Medicine clinical operations officer. “For more than 35 years, he has made a difference one patient at a time with his unwavering advocacy for the underserved populations in the Pacific Northwest and his relentless commitment to treat people from all walks of life with compassion and the highest quality care.”
Dr. Eileen Bulger, UW associate professor of surgery, will become acting director of Emergency Services at Harborview effective Nov. 17. At Airlift Northwest, Dr. David Baker will assume the role of interim medical director. Baker has served as associate medical director since May 2008.
