After announcing in March that he intended to resign, Dr. Douglas Barrett has agreed to stay on as UF's senior vice president for health affairs for at least one more year or until a replacement is found.
President Bernie Machen announced the news at Friday's meeting of the Board of Trustees, UF's highest governing body.
"It's very comforting to all of us at the university - especially those at the Health Science Center - that Doug will remain as senior vice president of health sciences," Machen said.
Barrett said he made the decision to stay following meetings with Machen about the instability of the college's leadership.
He said his focus will be helping Dr. Michael L. Good, interim dean of the College of Medicine, recruit department chairs. Tom Fortner, Health Science Center spokesman, said searches for four department chairs are underway.
Once he is replaced, the new senior vice president will need to find a permanent dean for the College of Medicine, Barrett said. Barrett appointed Good following Dr. Bruce Kone's demotion in May.
Barrett said he plans to return to clinical practice and teach pediatrics when he steps down.
