UM BWMC President and CEO Karen Olscamp to Retire in January

Glen Burnie, MD — University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) President and Chief Executive Officer, Karen E. Olscamp, FACHE has announced she will retire in January 2021, after 12 years of leading the medical center.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Olscamp joined the organization in 1987 as an administrative resident, and served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for 10 years before she was appointed to CEO in 2008.

"Being part of UM BWMC for nearly 34 years has truly been the honor and privilege of a lifetime," said Olscamp. "Over that time I have seen an incredible transformation of our organization, and nothing makes me prouder than being a part of this team. They share a unique compassion for caring for patients and each other and an unshakeable commitment to our mission of providing the highest quality health care services to our community."

With over 3,500 employees and nearly 1,000 providers on staff, UM BWMC is one of the largest private employers in Anne Arundel County. The medical center generates more than $500 million annually, directly impacting the economy of the Baltimore Washington region and serving as an economic driver of the communities it serves. In 2019, UM BWMC provided over $23 million in community benefit, which included health education, preventative services and in-kind support of public health programs to vulnerable and underserved populations.

"Since day one, Karen has always strived for a high standard of excellence that has translated into tremendous leadership and growth for UM BWMC," said Korkut Onal, Chairman of the UM BWMC Board of Directors. "Her dedication led to numerous, award-winning initiatives that have benefited the quality of life of so many in the community. Karen's contributions to UM BWMC has created a legacy that we will always cherish."

During her tenure as CEO, UM BWMC has significantly expanded its obstetrics, behavioral health, cancer, critical care and surgery programs. In 2009, it opened the Pascal Women's Center, which provided much-needed obstetric care to the community after a 41-year hiatus. That same year, the medical center opened a new patient tower with 111 additional private rooms. During the last several years, UM BWMC has completed a $31 million surgical suite expansion, launched a new electronic medical record system, opened new nursing units, constructed a second state-of-the-art endovascular suite, and increased the number of inpatient beds to the behavioral health and labor and delivery units.

Last year, the medical center was approved to construct a new five-story medical office building that will feature space for outpatient specialty care, a retail pharmacy and community wellness center. It is scheduled to open in late 2021.

Under Olscamp's leadership, UM BWMC has not only greatly expanded its services, but continues to elevate the quality of care provided to patients. Over the last several years, UM BWMC has been honored by organizations such as the American Heart Association, US News & World Report, the Maryland Patient Safety Center and the Leapfrog Group for its delivery of safe, high quality care.

"Karen will be greatly missed across the University of Maryland Medical System for her leadership, compassion and wisdom," said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System. "We offer our deepest thanks for her tireless efforts for almost 34 years."

The University of Maryland Medical System and the UM BWMC Board of Directors has commenced a selection process to identify a new President and CEO for UM BWMC.