Dr. Manuel Tzagournis, dean and vice president of the Ohio State University Medical Center, will step down in December.”This is a good time to make the change,” Tzagournis said. “The medical center is in good shape, and I want to focus on my practice and teaching before I retire.”During the last 20 years, Tzagournis served as either dean, vice president or both of the OSU Medical Center, President William “Brit” Kirwan said. It was during this time that the medical center underwent a transformation from being a fine teaching and patient care institution to one with a more balanced mission of excellent teaching, superb patient care and distinguished scholarly and research activities, Kirwan said.”Manny Tzagournis is an icon, at the university and throughout our community,” Kirwan said. “Few people anywhere have done as much to advance the health care profession over the past 20 years as Manuel Tzagournis.” Tzagournis has been associated with OSU since 1952, as a student, resident, fellow, faculty member and finally dean and vice president of the medical center.”It has been a tumultuous era in health care delivery, and Manuel’s steady hand and clear vision have been largely responsible for the emergence of the University Medical Center as one of the nation’s best,” Kirwan said.In 1982, the market value of the medical’s center endowed funds was $16 million, compared to $220 million today. Research productivity increased at a rate of nearly 15 percent a year. During this period, a $12 million clinical research facility was built and paid for by voluntary contributions from department chairs and faculty of the College of Medicine. Dave Cornwell, faculty emeritus of medical administration, said he has known Tzagournis since he was a student at OSU in 1956.”I have known him for many years as a student, teacher, faculty member, dean, vice president and clinician,” Cornwell said. “It is very difficult to imagine the OSU Medical Center without him.””I’m pleased,” Tzagournis said. “I have had a very enjoyable time as dean and vice president and I anticipate I’ll enjoy practicing and teaching again.”As part of a reorganization of the medical administration approved in September by the OSU Board of Trustees, Tzagournis’ position will be combined into a new position of senior vice president for health sciences and dean of the College of Medicine and Public Health.