Robert Chapman, center, is congratulated for being inducted into Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame by SHP Dean Harold Jones, left, and MSHA alumni Gary Glasscock. Robert C. Chapman, LFACHE, a 1972 graduate of the Master of Science in Health Administration, was one of 12 people inducted to the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 28. The 2012 class was honored not only for their work in medicine and health, but also as players in some of the most vital issues of their time.
Chapman retired as president and CEO of Medical Center East and its successor, the Eastern Health Systems, in 2007. Under his leadership, the organization grew into a private not-for-profit regional integrated health care system consisting of three hospitals; a system of ambulatory diagnostic, occupational medicine, primary care, rehabilitation and surgery centers; a family practice residency program; an independent and assisted living facility; and a long-term skilled nursing home. He began his career in 1970 when the facility was called Birmingham’s East End Memorial Hospital.
Chapman held every officer position at the Alabama Hospital Association, including Chairman of the Board, and served on the Board of Directors for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Coastal Insurance Group of Alabama. On the national level, Chapman has held leadership positions at the American Hospital Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives, where he is a Life Fellow. He received the Alabama Hospital Association’s highest award, the Gold Medal of Excellence, in 1987 and its Distinguished Service Award in 2006.
Chapman was part of the early graduates of the MSHA program in the Department of Health Services Administration as Class Six. He was an original member of the School of Health Professions Dean’s Advisory Board and served for two terms. He established the Robert C. Chapman Endowed Scholarship for the MSHA program in 2003. Although he may be retired, he continues to serve as Adjunct Professor at UAB.
The Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame was founded in 1997 to recognize exemplary service or outstanding contributions to health care. New honorees are inducted every two years.
