VAS Viasys Healthcare

Randy H. Thurman, Chairman & CEO of VIASYS Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:VAS), released the following statement: �I am extremely pleased to announce that Rebecca W. Rimel, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Pew Charitable Trusts has joined the Board of Directors of VIASYS Healthcare Inc. Ms. Rimel�s proven leadership combined with her healthcare background will add tremendous value to our board and to the strategic direction of VIASYS.� Ms. Rimel began her tenure at The Pew Charitable Trusts in 1983 as health program manager. She became executive director in 1988 and accepted her current position as President and CEO in 1994. Prior to joining The Pew Charitable Trusts, Ms. Rimel built an exemplary career in health care, specifically in the field of nursing. From 1981 through 1983, she was assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia Hospital, making her the first nurse to hold a faculty position in the University's medical school. Along with additional teaching and practitioner positions at the University of Virginia Hospital, she was head nurse of the medical center's emergency department. Ms. Rimel also brings exceptional board experience to VIASYS. In addition to being a member of the board of The Pew Charitable Trusts, she serves on the boards of Deutsche Asset Management/DWS Scudder Funds and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Rimel received her Bachelor of Science, with distinction, from the University of Virginia School of Nursing in 1973, and earned a Master of Business Administration from James Madison University in 1983. ABOUT VIASYS HEALTHCARE INC. VIASYS Healthcare Inc. is a global, research-based medical technology company focused on respiratory, neurology, medical disposable and orthopedic products. VIASYS products are marketed under well-recognized trademarks, including, among others, AVEA�, BEAR�, BIRD�, CORFLO�, CORPAK�, CORTRAK�, EME�, GRASON-STADLER�, JAEGER�, LYRA�, MEDELEC�, MICROGAS�, NAVIGATOR�, NICOLET�, NicoletOne�, PULMONETIC�, SENSORMEDICS�, TECA�, TECOMET�, VELA� and VMAX�. VIASYS is headquartered in Conshohocken, PA, and its businesses are conducted through its Respiratory Care, NeuroCare, MedSystems and Orthopedics business units. More information can be found at http://www.viasyshealthcare.com.