Heffer Joins Heart and Vascular Service Line as Administrator

As the University of Rochester Medical Center redesigns its patient care delivery system, shifting from clinical department-based operations to service lines, longtime Department of Medicine administrator Timothy Heffer will serve as administrator for the new Heart and Vascular service line.

Heffer has served as chief financial officer for the 1,000-person Department of Medicine since 2007. He has more than 20 years of administrative experience, starting in Pediatrics and later shifting to Medicine.

“Tim has a wealth of experience as program administrator in Medicine and leading a large private cardiology practice. He is well-equipped to lead the administrative areas of our cardiovascular group and drive this sea change in how we deliver care,” said Kathy Parrinello, Strong Memorial Hospital chief operating officer.  

The clinical service line model aligns services within specific diseases, such as cardiac or orthopaedic care and cancer treatment, to name a few.  The goal is for physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff to function as part of a singular team to better coordinate more efficient and effective treatment – and share accountability for outcomes. This configuration extends beyond acute-care disciplines to encompass rehabilitation, home care and other ambulatory services as well.

Heffer will help with development and implementation of the service line, working closely with clinical leadership from Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, and Vascular Surgery, all of whom are committed to this new model. These leaders include: Charles Lowenstein, M.D., chief of Cardiology, Joseph M. Delehanty, M.D., co-director of the heart and vascular service line, will collaborate with George L. “Jeff” Hicks, M.D., chief of cardiac surgery, Michael Stoner, M.D., R.V.T., F.A.C.S., newly recruited chief of Vascular Surgery and co-director of the heart and vascular service line, and Anna Lambert, R.N., MS, associate director of Nursing for Cardiovascular Care.

“The healthcare industry is evolving and our focus is on patients and families and making sure their access to care is timely and easy,” said Michael Rotondo, M.D., F.A.C.S., the CEO of the Medical Faculty Group and senior associate dean of Clinical Affairs. “Service lines will enhance patient and provider referrals and solidify our ability to achieve better outcomes by delivering the right care in the right setting centered around the needs of the patient.”

“Tim’s broad experience and vision for the future, combined with his diplomatic approach to leadership, makes him an excellent choice to help guide this large, diverse group,” Rotondo said.

Heffer is eager for the new opportunity. “I was drawn to the challenge of being a part of making the service line concept work here at the Medical Center.  I’m excited to work toward the goal of creating a true center of excellence,” he said.  

Heffer joined the Medical Center in 1986, working as administrator for Pediatrics, shifting to positions within Strong Memorial Hospital and then Medicine. In 2000, he took the position of chief operating administrator for Rochester Cardiopulmonary Group, a large, private cardiology group affiliated with Rochester General Hospital. He returned to URMC in 2007 as chief financial officer/senior department administrator for Medicine.