Burnham named new chair of Deborah Heart and Lung Center

Dr. Lem Burnham, whose expansive background includes a career in professional football with teams including the Philadelphia Eagles and military service in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam, where he received numerous citations and service medals, recently was appointed the new chair of the Deborah Board of Trustees.

Burnham, who currently serves as President of ProWorld Athletes, Inc., is a graduate of Temple University and possess a Ph.D. in Psychology, an MS in Counseling Psychology from Bemidji State University; and a BA in Psychology from U.S. International University. He is a diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association and the American Board of Psychological Specialties and is board certified in psychological assessment, evaluation and testing, and substance abuse psychology.

“It is an absolute honor to Chair the Deborah Board of Trustees,” he said. “I am committed to leading the Board and look forward to what the future holds for Deborah.

“Deborah Heart and Lung Center has a long history of providing innovative heart and lung care and is noted for its exceptional patient care and commitment to quality.”

Deborah CEO Jim Andrews applauded the announcement.

“I am thrilled to work with Dr. Burnham,” he said. “Lem is an accomplished leader and valued member of our Board whose knowledge and experience make him an impeccable fit for the chair position.

“We look forward to his board stewardship as we collectively navigate Deborah’s bright future.”

Burnham holds numerous professional memberships and provides expertise and support for non-profit and for-profit organizations. He served on the National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women. Additionally, he is the author of Personality in Groups: Group Relevant Personality and Sociometric Status (Doctoral Dissertation), Beyond X’s and O’s – an NFL Publication for Coaches, and a new book Serial Achiever: Life-Changing Strategies for Personal Growth and Transformation.

The Deborah Heart and Lung Center, in Browns Mills, is a teaching hospital in the prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of heart, lung and vascular diseases. Founded in 1922, Deborah has treated more than 2.3 million hearts from every corner of the United States and 87 countries. From performing the first adult and pediatric open-heart surgeries in New Jersey, to one of the highest-volume left-ventricular assist device implant programs in the nation, Deborah is consistently recognized as a leader overall and in patient care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.