Aggressive. Approachable. Great sense of humor.
According to those he works with now, these are words that describe Ralph Muller.
On July 1, Muller became Chief Executive Officer of the University Health System, replacing former CEO Robert Martin, who resigned in October. Muller is the fourth person to hold the position in three years.
Penn officials greeted his appointment with high hopes. In April, Health System Executive Vice President and Medical School Dean Arthur Rubenstein said he was "absolutely delighted to have Ralph join us," adding that he was "very confident that he will be successful here."
Now, having been in his new role for just two months, Muller's colleagues say he has been living up to that expectation. Currently working on a three-pronged approach to raise the Health System's revenue, he is particularly interested in increasing its patient base.
Though UPHS has recovered from its bleakest days, the need for financial stability made Muller's experience in pulling the University of Chicago's Health System out of debt an important element in his appointment.
Between 1997 and 2000, UPHS -- now a $1.7 billion non-profit corporation -- lost $300 million. Since 2000, the Health System has had one CEO fired, and two have resigned. This rapid turnover was largely due to the financial crisis.
But the Health System has posted profits for the past three years, and thus far, both Muller and his staff say they are developing a positive working relationship.
"He solicits everyone's input before making a final decision," said Rebecca Harmon, spokeswoman for the Health System.
Garry Schieb, senior vice president of hospital operations, echoed this sentiment, noting that he believes Muller understands how the various services of UPHS impact one another.
Both he and Harmon commented on Muller's great sense of humor, an often overlooked -- but vital -- quality for those working in health care.
"The things that we deal with, sometimes you just need to break the tension and have a good laugh," Schieb said.
Muller spent his first two months in office learning the lay of the land -- visiting hospitals and other facilities, meeting doctors, nurses, and even the people who deliver food -- and discovering "the enthusiasm and commitment" of his staff.
And according to Muller, the four hospitals that lie under the Health System's umbrella have done a good job of making themselves accessible.
"There's hardly an empty bed," he said.
Muller plans to continue expanding the hospitals, and therefore the patient base, especially in the heart and cancer programs.
He also hopes to attract new specialists, namely cardiologists. Two new female breast cancer surgeons, now highly in demand by patients, are starting this month.
"A lot of people want to join us," Muller said.
In addition to expanding certain programs, Muller has also been working from the legislative angle to increase funding.
The state legislature cut $14 million from UPHS's budget in July. One of his current goals is getting that money restored, he said.
Finally, Muller added that he plans to work more closely with insurance companies, Medicaid and Medicare.
While Muller may have a plan for the Health System's finances, there is, of course, another issue to deal with -- the impending departure of University President Judith Rodin, who has supervised the fluctuations of the Health System for the past decade.
While Muller and other officials acknowledged Rodin's crucial role in shaping the recovery of UPHS, Schieb said he doesn't "think we're going to miss a beat," noting that Rodin announced her resignation with sufficient time to prepare for the transition.
Rodin has "been a great supporter of the building of the Health System," Muller said. "When you have somebody who knows as much about hospitals... as Dr. Rodin, you hate to see her go."
He added that he hopes the new president will be someone with a background in medicine.
