Dr. Wesley Burks has announced he will step down from his roles as CEO of UNC Health and Dean of the UNC School of Medicine after six years. He plans to focus on developing NC Children’s, which will be North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital. The project is a collaboration between UNC Health and Duke Health.
“It has been an incredible honor to lead UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine and to work alongside such dedicated, talented teammates. When I started my career, I never imagined I would end up in this place and in this role, but I can’t think of any better place to conclude my time as CEO and Dean,” Dr. Burks said.
Burks has advocated for the new children’s hospital over several years, helping secure support from state legislators for the initiative.
“This is an unprecedented partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health, aimed at elevating the care that’s available for all children in North Carolina,” said Burks said. “I’m delighted to work with our colleagues at Duke to create something that will make all North Carolinians proud and change lives for generations to come.”
During his tenure, UNC Health expanded by adding hospitals, network providers, and partnerships across North Carolina. As Dean, Burks oversaw significant growth in research funding at the medical school, with fiscal year 2024 totals approaching $650 million. He also worked with Novant Health to establish research and training sites in Wilmington. Within the health system, Burks promoted behavioral health care expansion by working with the state government to open a 54-bed Youth Behavioral Health Hospital.
In a published piece for the American Clinical and Climatological Association, Burks described his leadership philosophy: “Over the course of my tenure, I’ve found it helpful to focus on two people: a teammate and a patient. I face difficult decisions each day, but if a decision I make improves things for both of those people, I know I have made the right choice. I’ve also learned that in serving and leading others, it’s vital to show a great deal of empathy and grace to those around you, especially in trying times,” Burks wrote.
Burks led UNC Health through challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic without workforce cuts or layoffs—a contrast with other health systems during that period.
Stephanie Duggins Davis, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at UNC School of Medicine commented on his impact: “Wesley’s leadership, compassion, and thoughtful approach to problem solving have forever transformed UNC Health,” Davis said.
