David J. Skorton wears many hats (though not in this photo). He is a cardiologist, former university president, flutist, beekeeper, and soon-to-be former Secretary of the Smithsonian.

Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo

David J. Skorton, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, is leaving his position in June to return to the world of healthcare.

Skorton, a board-certified cardiologist, has been named the next president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit represents the interests of medical schools and teaching hospitals. Skorton will assume that post on July 15.

Skorton’s tenure as the Smithsonian’s 13th Secretary was marked by a number of major accomplishments. He oversaw the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, announced a $1 billion renovation of the National Air and Space Museum, and helped develop a partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. That collaboration will mark the first time the Smithsonian opens a permanent gallery outside the United States.

Skorton also guided the Smithsonian’s first institution-wide fundraising campaign, which brought in $1.88 billion by 2017. He earned $848,345 himself last year.

David Rubenstein, the chair of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, told the Washington Post that he had not anticipated Skorton’s departure. Still, he wished Skorton well in a statement released by the Smithsonian on Thursday. Rubenstein also praised Skorton’s leadership on the five-year 2017 Smithsonian Strategic Plan.

Prior to joining the Smithsonian in July 2015, Skorton served as the president of Cornell University for nine years. He calls himself “a doctor at heart,” and cited his interest in shaping the future of health care as a primary motivation for leaving the Smithsonian after only three-and-a-half years.

Skorton prided himself on his commitment to increasing diversity among the Smithsonian’s programming and staff. Earlier this year he launched “Because of Her Story,” an initiative meant to highlight the achievements of American women. In an interview with the New York Times, Skorton said that 70 percent of news hires at director level had been women during his term, including the first female directors of the National Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History.

Bonus fun fact: Besides being a cardiologist, former university president and soon-to-be-former Smithsonian leader, Skorton is also an accomplished jazz flutist.

The Board of Regents is in the process of forming a committee to lead a national search for a new Secretary. It aims to make its selection prior to Skorton’s departure.

This story was originally published on WAMU. It has been updated with the correct name for the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Filed Under: smithsonian, wamu,