FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2005

ATHENS, Ga--Frank M. Rumph, MD has been named Executive Director and CEO of the East Georgia Cancer Coalition with regional offices in Athens and Augusta.

Rumph retired October 1 as commissioner of health for Richmond County and director of the East Central Health District in Augusta.  He will remain in a part-time capacity with that organization through the end of the year or until a replacement is found.

The Richmond County Health Department recently voted to name the clinic after Rumph, who oversaw the public health programs, financing and construction of that clinic and a second satellite clinic in North Augusta.  Rumph holds a number of academic appointments and has been principal investigator of several projects focusing on rural emergency preparedness, and cancer education and treatment.

“We are delighted to have someone of Dr. Rumph’s caliber and expertise in the field of public health and cancer awareness and treatment,” remarks Marilyn Hill, RN, director of operations and programs. “The East Georgia Cancer Network is part of the Georgia Cancer Coalition and works to provide a network of referrals for enhanced and integrated oncology health services and programs to our citizens in 29 counties of Northeast Georgia. Dr. Rumph has served on our executive committee since 2002 and not only has an understanding of our vision to reduce the cancer rates in this region, but his background will serve well to bring together the many stakeholders involved in cancer diagnosis and treatment for the benefit of our citizens.”

Rumph has been a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Community Science, Mercer University, Macon since 1993; an adjunct faculty member of Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University since 1995, and is an associate professor, Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia. After receiving his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia, he completed a rotating internship at Grady Memorial Hospital/Emory University and his residency in anatomical/clinical pathology was at Emory University’s School of Medicine.

“As CEO and Executive Director of the East Georgia Cancer Network, Inc., I have been given another chance to serve and I feel privileged and humble,” says Rumph.