Ohio State Medical Hospital Directors

Manuel Tzagournis was the first medical director of the OSU hospitals before becoming the Acting Dean in 1980, then the Dean in 1981 until 1985, and finally the Vice President of Health Sciences in 1994 until 2002.

Hagop Mekhjian was born in Syria in 1937 where his family was displaced after the Armenian genocide.  He received his MD degree from the Medical School of the American University in Beirut in 1962.  As many immigrants he endured hardship but he was determined to excel. The new immigrant arrived in Boston in 1965 and did a residency in internal medicine at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, and University Hospital.  He also did a fellowship in Gastroenterogy at the Lahey Clinic.  He is an expert gastroenterologist who is recognized for his clinical and research skills. He has published articles in many journals.  He was appointed Medical Director in 2001 and served until 2013.  Upon retirement he was appointed Professor Emeritus at the Ohio State University as a recognition of his 44 years of service to the University, the community and the field of medicine.

Andrew Thomas is a native Ohian born in Louisville, OH.  He got his bachelor degree in History and Science from Harvard University in 1991. He earned his MD degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1995. He did an internal medicine residency at OSUMC from July 1995 to June 1998. He received a MBA from Fisher College of Medicine in 2000.  He was the Assistant Medical Director from 1999 to 2005, and Associate Director until 2010 and Medical Director at OSU Hospitals until 2013.  Dr. Thomas is Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine.  He has published 48 papers in peer-review journals.  His colleagues describe him as a collaborate, and thoughtful individual leader.  I knew Andy since the time he was a medical resident.  He was intelligent and caring, and I will always remember what he told me when I converted Radiology to a filmless department, that its impact to the resident training and delivery of correct care was immense. 

OSUMC is fortunateT to have had leaders like Drs. Manuel Tzagournis, Hagop Mehkjian and and Andrew Thomas 

                                     Authored by D. G. Spigos, MD

                        Professor Emeritus and former Chairman

                                  Department of Radiology 1992-2004

It is dedicated to Manuel, Hagop and Andy who in addition for being               colleagues were and have remained great friends for life.