Michael Salem, MD, President and CEO
Michael Salem, MD has been President and CEO of National Jewish Health since January 2006. His background offers a unique combination of academic and entrepreneurial experience in the healthcare field.
A native of Washington, D.C., Dr. Salem received his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, then returned to his hometown for his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He completed his surgical residency training at Boston University Hospital and George Washington University Hospital. He also completed research and clinical fellowships in Critical Care Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
Following the completion of his medical training, Dr. Salem spent five years on the faculty at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and as a surgeon and critical care physician at George Washington University Hospital. He practiced and taught general surgery and critical care, and oversaw surgical research. He rose to become the Director of Trauma and Critical Care, Co-Director of the Intensive Care Unit, and Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery.
His research interests included neuroendocrine responses in acute illness, on which he published several articles in the Journal of the American Medical Association and other journals. Dr. Salem also served on the editorial board of the journal Critical Care Medicine.
Beginning in 1999, Dr. Salem helped launch GMP Companies Inc., a Florida-based healthcare company that develops and commercializes biotechnology and medical technology products and product candidates made primarily by academic researchers. As Executive Vice President, he led the research and development operations of GMP Companies, building research facilities and programs, and navigating the regulatory process to bring discoveries to the marketplace. He was also responsible for licensing and acquisition for the company.
Among the products he helped develop were EyePass®, a microsurgical implant device for patients suffering from glaucoma; the LifeSync® Wireless Medicine System, a wireless electrocardiographic monitoring system; and Conversion Technology®, a chromosome separation technology designed to improve the accuracy of genetic analysis and testing.
In 2005, Dr. Salem participated in international medical missions to Vietnam and Israel where he delivered surgical care and worked with the local medical staff.
Dr. Salem enjoys sports, including running, football, and golf.
