Cook County Health leader named CEO, and more | MED MOVES

After serving in an interim capacity for nearly a year, Erik Mikaitis, MD, has been named the chief executive officer of Cook County Health in Chicago.

Erik Mikaitis, MD

The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted late last month to approve Mikaitis taking the role on a permanent basis. He began serving as interim CEO on Dec. 2.

“It is a privilege to be appointed to this role and I look forward to continuing to work with the incredible CCH team to build on the momentum we have developed to advance our historic mission,” Mikaitis said in a statement. “My vision is to build on CCH’s strong foundation and lead the health system to a future rooted in equity, high reliability, and innovation.”

The Cook County board spent months on the search for a permanent CEO and the system said it fielded interest from candidates both locally and nationwide. Toni Preckwinkle, president of Cook County’s board, hailed Mikaitis’ accomplishments.

“Dr. Mikaitis’ continued leadership and commitment to health equity will further Cook County Health’s mission of service, ensuring that quality health care and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” Preckwinkle said in a statement.

Cook County Health provides care and services to more than 600,000 people in the Chicago area annually. The system has a proposed FY2025 budget of more than $5 billion.

Deborah Addo

Penn State Health names interim CEO, and more

Deborah Addo has been named the interim chief executive officer of Penn State Health.

Addo serves as the Pennsylvania health system’s president and chief operating officer. She began serving as interim CEO in late September. Steve Massini, who had served as CEO of Penn State Health for five years, announced during the summer that he was retiring.

Penn State Health says it’s in the midst of a nationwide search for its next leader. The system has tapped a consulting firm to aid in the search.

Addo brings more than three decades of healthcare leadership experience to the role of interim CEO. The system points to her deep experience in financial management, strategic planning and engaging physicians.

Amit Uppal, MD

Bellevue Hospital gets new chief medical officer

Amit Uppal, MD has been appointed as chief medical officer of Bellevue Hospital.

Bellevue Hospital is the largest acute care facility of NYC Health + Hospitals, America’s largest municipal health system. Bellevue is also America’s oldest hospital.

Uppal will begin in his new role on January 6, 2025. He will succeed Dr. Nate Link, who is stepping down after twelve years as chief medical officer.

“Bellevue has been my home for my entire medical career, and there’s no other place I would rather work,” Uppal said in a statement. “I’m passionate about the work we do and the patients we serve, so I am honored to play my part in Bellevue’s future.”

William Hicks, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, said Uppal has excelled in a number of roles since joining the system in 2008.

“At various times, Dr. Uppal has overseen the Medical Intensive Care Unit, Critical Care Services, and most recently the hospital’s Quality Department,” Hicks said in a statement. “He has consistently focused on improving patient outcomes, patient safety, and health care equity. We are excited to welcome him into his new role as Bellevue’s Chief Medical Officer.”

Erik Summers

MUSC Health taps chief medical officer for Charleston division

Erik Summers, MD, has been appointed chief medical officer of MUSC Health’s Charleston division.

Summers will oversee both inpatient and ambulatory services for the Charleston division of the system. He brings more than 20 years of clinical and teaching experience to the role, MUSC Health said.

He came to MUSC Health from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Saj Joy, MD, CEO of MUSC Health-Charleston Division, said Summers is well suited for the position.

“His background, experience and focus on patient-centered care make him an excellent fit for this role. His collaborative approach to providing health care makes him a wonderful addition to our team,” Joy said in a statement.

The healthcare system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health operates 16 hospitals.