Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare today announced that Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital President Michael Wiggins, DBA, FACHE, is stepping down to take a role as President of Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas.
MLH President and CEO Michael Ugwueke, DHA, FACHE named Le Bonheur Surgeon-in-Chief James “Trey” Eubanks, MD, Le Bonheur’s interim president, while the healthcare system conducts a national search for a successor.
Eubanks has served Le Bonheur for more than 20 years. In addition to his role as surgeon-in- chief, he has served as chief of the medical staff for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Among his many accomplishments, Eubanks was instrumental in Le Bonheur earning the American College of Surgeons Level I Pediatric Trauma designation.
“I am confident that Trey will serve Le Bonheur as a strong leader during this transition and continue our commitment to providing the highest level of care for children that our community has grown to expect from Le Bonheur,” Ugwueke said.
“I want to thank Michael for his service and dedication to children during his time at Le Bonheur. He is leaving Le Bonheur in a strong position with dedicated staff who will continue working every day to do our very best for kids in our community.”
Wiggins came to Le Bonheur in 2019 from Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas. During his four-year tenure, the hospital opened its first pediatric inpatient unit in Jackson, Tenn., began construction on a $95 million expansion set to open in 2024, and celebrated the institution’s 70th birthday.
“It has been my honor to serve Le Bonheur and the Memphis and Mid-South community,” said Wiggins. “The Le Bonheur team is truly one of the best and most dedicated group of pediatric experts in the entire country. I continue to be impressed by their professionalism, compassion and expertise on behalf of children. I know they will continue to be a beacon of hope for all children who need them.”
