Cedars-Sinai Physicians Elect William W. Brien, M.D., As Chief Of Staff

Los Angeles - Jan. 9, 2008 – The medical staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has elected William Warren Brien, M.D., as its chief of staff for 2008. Brien, executive vice-chairman, Department of Surgery, is also director of the Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedic Center and Cedars-Sinai Institute for Joint Replacement and interim director of the Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders.

As chief of staff, Dr. Brien's main focus will be to ensure that Cedars-Sinai continues to excel in providing quality medical care. Among his duties will be leading the 2,000 physicians of the medical staff in meeting the highest quality and safety standards; representing the medical staff in its work with Cedars-Sinai's nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals developing innovative collaborations to provide compassionate care for patients; and updating the comprehensive emergency preparedness plan for the medical staff.

"Dr. Brien brings outstanding clinical and administrative leadership experience to his role as Chief of Staff," said Thomas M. Priselac, president and chief executive officer of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. "His passion for the highest standards of patient care as well as his skills in working effectively with colleagues and others in the medical center, will serve the medical staff well."

Brien, who joined the medical staff at Cedars-Sinai in 1991, received his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Los Angeles County/USC School of Medicine. He also completed a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

He previously held roles at Cedars-Sinai as vice chief of staff, medical staff treasurer and medical staff secretary.

Brien is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and as a medical examiner. He is a former chief of Orthopaedics at Cedars-Sinai and currently serves as a lecturer and teacher for medical residents and medical students at Cedars-Sinai.

He has received numerous honors and awards, including the Rancho Los Amigos Research Award, the Philip D. Wilson Research Award at Cornell University, and the Otto Aufranc Research Award from the Hip Society.

Through his research efforts, Brien seeks to improve surgical treatment for femur fractures as well as of hip and knee replacements. He has presented nearly 100 scientific papers and exhibits and has authored numerous books and abstracts.

He is a member of the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Association, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He also serves on the Board of Councilors for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In addition to these national roles, Brien serves on the board of directors of the California Orthopaedic Association and is a commissioner on the California Health Policy and Data Advisory Commission which advises the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) on health policy and health information issues.

He and his wife Connie Agnew, M.D. live in Beverly Hills. They have four children.