Sara Lee, assistant vice president of University Health and Counseling Services and chief health officer, will leave Case Western Reserve University to join Akron Children’s Hospital as vice chair of education for the department of pediatrics and director of medical education/designated institutional official. Her last day is today, Monday, Dec. 2.
Lee’s journey at CWRU began as a medical student. After graduating in 2001 and completing her pediatric residency and Adolescent Medicine fellowship with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and the MetroHealth System, she joined health services in 2008 as an attending physician. She went on to serve as director of health services in 2017, later becoming executive director of health and counseling in 2019, and was named assistant vice president and chief health officer in 2022.
Her impact on the campus community has been profound. From helping lead the university’s COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts to enhancing mental health services with resources such as TimelyCare and the Student Mental Health Fund, Lee has been instrumental in expanding health and wellness services for our campus community
“Dr. Lee’s legacy at CWRU is one of compassion, collaboration and innovation,” said Travis Apgar, vice president for student affairs. “Her contributions have shaped the services and resources that support our community’s health and wellness, and we are profoundly grateful for her leadership.”
During the search process and transition period, UHCS Senior Director of Operations Melissa Borowski and Director of Clinical Medicine and Quality Improvement Kimberly McBennett will work together to lead the department. Borowski will manage administrative duties and serve as the primary contact, and McBennett will oversee the clinical aspects of the role.
The university community extends heartfelt thanks to Lee for her service and wishes her continued success in her new role.