Richard A. Fullmer, 61, dies of cancer

Richard A. Fullmer, 61, director of the University of Utah's Hospital and Clinics (UUHC), died Friday after a battle with cancer.

The hospital administrator led the university's health care system for more than 25 years.

During his tenure, Mr. Fullmer guided University Hospital through tremendous growth. From national accreditation of the trauma, burn and stroke services units to the openings of the Eccles Critical Care Pavilion, University of Utah Orthopedic Center and Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Mr. Fullmer managed the university health care system's staff with compassion and smart business sense, said Dr. A. Lorris Betz, senior vice president for health sciences.

"Through much change and turmoil in the health care industry, Rick never lost sight of his top priority — our patients," Betz said.

Mr. Fullmer led a staff of more than 5,000 full-time employees with a budget of nearly $600,000.

Several employees commented on Mr. Fullmer's compassion for each and every person under his watch.

"Rick was able to inspire our entire organization to provide patient care equal to any medical center in the nation," said Dan Lundergan, University Hospital executive director. "His ability to recognize the value of each employee defined his leadership."

University Hospital earned consistent national recognition under Mr. Fullmer's watch: U.S. News & World Report consistently named the UUHC one of "America's Best Hospitals," and the organization earned multiple Quality of Care and Best of State awards.

Mr. Fullmer also received numerous personal honors for his leadership. In 2004 he was presented with the Utah Hospital Association's Executive Award, and the American Cancer Society's Sword of Hope Award.

The Utah Kidney Foundation is planning to honor Mr. Fullmer this Saturday with the Gift of Life Award. Mr. Fullmer served as chair of the Utah Hospital Association Board of Trustees in 2003 and was a longtime member of the board. He served on the national executive committee of the University Health System Consortium.

Funeral arrangements are pending. However, the university will honor him Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area at Rice-Eccles Stadium, university spokesman Chris Nelson said.