OHSU Removes Health CEO Tarek Salaway After Four Months

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has abruptly removed Tarek Salaway from his position as CEO of OHSU Health. The decision, effective April 7, 2026, comes just four months after Salaway was appointed to lead the division that oversees the university’s hospitals and medical clinics.

Unexpected Leadership Transition at OHSU Health

The departure of Tarek Salaway marks a brief tenure for the executive. Salaway was named CEO of OHSU Health on November 26, 2025, with a mandate to manage operations across OHSU Hospital and various medical clinics. However, recent reports confirm he will no longer serve in this capacity.

The role of the OHSU Health CEO is critical, as the position is responsible for the operational efficiency and clinical delivery of the university’s healthcare services, ensuring that the hospital and clinic systems function cohesively to serve their patient population.

Broader Context: Financial Challenges and Organizational Shift

This leadership shake-up occurs during a period of significant transition for the entire institution. In June 2025, OHSU appointed Dr. Shereef Elnahal as the new president. Dr. Elnahal took the helm during a challenging period characterized by financial losses and declining staff morale.

Upon his appointment, Dr. Elnahal pledged to implement changes “at the speed of trust” to address these systemic issues. The removal of the Health CEO may be part of a broader effort to stabilize the organization’s leadership and financial standing.

Key Takeaways: OHSU Leadership Changes

• Executive Departure: Tarek Salaway is no longer the CEO of OHSU Health as of April 7, 2026.
• Short Tenure: Salaway held the position for approximately four months, having started in late November 2025.
• Organizational Scope: OHSU Health is the division managing the university’s hospitals and clinics.
• Institutional Pressure: The university is currently navigating financial losses and morale issues under the leadership of President Dr. Shereef Elnahal.

What This Means for OHSU Operations

Rapid turnover in executive leadership can create uncertainty within a healthcare system, particularly one as large as OHSU, which employs more than 20,000 people and serves a significant portion of the region’s population. The stability of the OHSU Health division is vital for maintaining the quality of care across its hospitals and clinics.

As OHSU continues to address its financial hurdles, the university will likely need to establish permanent, stable leadership in the Health CEO role to execute the strategic changes promised by the presidency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the current president of OHSU?

Dr. Shereef Elnahal has served as the president of OHSU since June 2025.

What does the CEO of OHSU Health oversee?

The CEO of OHSU Health manages the operations of the university’s hospitals and medical clinics.

Why was Tarek Salaway removed?

While the removal is official, the provided reports do not specify the exact cause for the decision, though they note the university is currently facing financial losses and morale challenges.