University of Chicago Medical Center President Approved as New Director of America's Essential Hospitals

University of Chicago Medical Center President Approved as New Director of America's Essential Hospitals


November 28, 2014

University of Chicago Medical Center President Sharon O'Keefe was recently elected, by a unanimous vote, as a new member of the board of directors of America's Essential Hospitals.

The Washington, D.C.-based association represents more than 250 hospitals that care for vulnerable patients and provide vital community services, such as trauma care and disaster response. President O'Keefe will serve as an at-large director on the association's board.

"Sharon brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the board, and we look forward to her contributions as we help our members navigate a challenging health care environment," America's Essential Hospitals President and CEO Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, said.

Under O'Keefe's leadership, UCMC has opened its state-of-the-art Center for Care and Discovery to provide inpatient care. The Medical Center has earned increasingly higher quality and safety scores and recently won approval to modernize its labor and delivery unit among other key accomplishments.

"The University of Chicago Medical Center serves many vulnerable patients who come to us with challenging health conditions, and we're proud of the success that we have with their treatment," O'Keefe said. "I look forward to learning and sharing best practices as a member of the America's Essential Hospitals board."

About America's Essential Hospitals
America's Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. Since 1981, America's Essential Hospitals has initiated, advanced, and preserved programs and policies that help these hospitals ensure access to care. It supports members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education.

Its more than 250 members are vital to their communities, providing primary through trauma care, disaster response, health professionals training, research, public health programs, and other services. They innovate and adapt to lead the broader health care community toward more effective and efficient care. Visit EssentialHospitals.org to learn more.