Paul Castillo directs Michigan Medicine's integrated financial operations, which includes the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers, the U-M Medical School, the clinical services of the U-M School of Nursing, a shared administrative services division and the Michigan Health Corporation, the legal entity that allows Michigan Medicine to enter partnerships.
Prior to arriving at Michigan Medicine in November, 2011, Paul was the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, the flagship hospital of the health system associated with the University of Pittsburgh. Before taking his role at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, Paul held top financial positions in the UPMC Community physician group, UPMC Corporate Services, and UPMC McKeesport Hospital. In the early 1990s, he was Vice President of Finance at St. Vincent Health System in Erie, PA, which he joined after more than a decade with the Arthur Andersen & Company accounting firm.
Paul's expertise includes implementing changes in health information systems, negotiating major contracts, assisting in physician recruitment and retention efforts, and developing financial analysis tools. He holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Michigan State University.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
During my early career in public accounting I did not truly understand the dynamics of the healthcare field. I began to appreciate it in great depth when I was asked to begin serving healthcare clients as an audit manager with Arthur Andersen. Eventually I chose to leave public accounting, joining one of the firm's healthcare clients. This enabled me to evolve from being a consultant to first hand learning and understanding healthcare operations. While I changed employers a few times I chose to stay in healthcare. It is a dynamic environment.
What do you love most about your job?
First, it’s impossible to be bored, but more importantly the miracles that are performed every day are awe inspiring.
What advice would you give others who wish to serve in a similar leadership role?
One should view every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. This applies to technical knowledge, industry and business understanding, professional development and relationships.
