Presidential nominee Amy Gutmann will not only take command of the academic side of the University, but also Penn Medicine -- a complex network of hospitals, research centers and the Medical School.
Princeton University, where Gutmann has served as provost for two years, does not have a health system.
Despite what some may see as a gap in Gutmann's experience, Penn Medicine's response to her appointment has been optimistic.
Several officials withheld comment, noting that it is too soon to pass judgment.
Others admitted to not knowing much about her -- but were impressed with her academic reputation.
Arthur Rubenstein, executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and dean of the Medical School, expressed his confidence in Gutmann, which carries over from his time on the presidential search committee.
"I was very supportive and very enthusiastic about her recruitment. Honestly, I just feel very good about it," he said.
Rubenstein has met with Gutmann in several group and individual sessions.
"She was knowledgeable about science and medicine, and she certainly understood the potential of the Health System in relation to the whole University."
Asked to compare Gutmann's potential to University President Judith Rodin's performance, Rubenstein was enthusiastic in his praise of Rodin, but noted that both women are "very accomplished, very smart people with great leadership skills."
Part of Gutmann's job will be to assess Penn Medicine's strategic plan and financial management, and to set the course for its future.
Rubenstein will report directly to her.
Among Gutmann's tentative plans for Penn Medicine, Rubenstein cited a commitment to interdisciplinary programs. Gutmann is interested in expanding the Bioengineering Program with the School of Engineering, the Health Care Management Program with the Wharton School, as well as joint programs with the School of Nursing and the School of Veterinary Medicine.
According to Rubenstein, Gutmann faces the immediate challenge of learning the complexities of UPHS in addition to its structure and finances.
"I anticipate in the next few months bringing her up to speed," he said.
He stressed that the present stability of the system -- which faced chronic debt and administrative turnover until 2001 -- affords Gutmann the "luxury of learning."
Following Gutmann's nomination, Rubenstein said that he met with the department chairs of the Medical School and that they were uniformly supportive.
Chairman of Microbiology Robert Doms said, "I don't know much about her. I can just rely on the sort of things that people seem to say about it," which are very positive.
Doms said that few faculty members in the Medical School would have encountered Gutmann professionally because she does not have a scientific background.
"Well, I don't know her," Pharmacology Department Chairman Garrett FitzGerald said. "I was delighted and surprised to read what she has accomplished," he added.
Leslie Dutton, chairman of the Biochemistry and Biophysics departments, agreed. "I don't know enough right now," but "I've heard nothing but positive response,"he said.
