Michael Gittelman is the senior associate vice president of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He is responsible for the physician practices as well as academic and research components. He oversees the day-to-day operations including all personnel and financial matters, and coordinates strategic planning and business development.

Prior to this position, Gittelman served as chief executive officer of the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics and Executive Administrator of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.  During his tenure at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Gittelman made significant contributions, especially in the areas of patient safety and the overall patient experience. The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is continually ranked the number one hospital in the country for ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report.

He brings nearly 30 years of health care management experience to his leadership role. Prior to joining the University of Miami, he was with Tenet Healthcare Corporation where he served as CEO of Fair Oaks Hospital in Delray Beach, and CEO and COO of Florida Medical Center (FMC) in Fort Lauderdale. While at FMC, the hospital was recognized as a Top 100 Hospital in the large community hospital category and was recognized for its ICU care. In addition, the hospital received a five-star rating for cardiovascular, stroke and pulmonary services from Healthgrades.com.

He received his master's degree in health services administration from Florida International University in Miami and a bachelor's degree in public administration from Florida Atlantic University in Fort Lauderdale. Gittelman has served on the board of directors of the American Association of Eye and Ear Hospitals since 2007. In 2017 he was tapped into Iron Arrow, the University of Miami’s highest honor society.