1st Black Named To Head Hospital Group

WASHINGTON  – The National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH) has announced the appointment of Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Siegel succeeds Christine Capito Burch, who is retiring from NAPH after serving 20 years as Executive Director. 

Dr. Siegel presently serves as Director of the Center for Health Care Quality and as Professor of Health Policy at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. Dr. Siegel previously served as President and CEO of two different NAPH members: Tampa General Healthcare and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. He also previously served as Commissioner of Health of the State of New Jersey. Click here for his full biography.

“NAPH is thrilled that Bruce Siegel has agreed to help lead our Association through a very challenging period,” said Larry S. Gage, NAPH President. "Safety net hospitals and health systems must gear up for the implementation of health reform, while also responding to the increased need for safety net services during the current economic crisis. Bruce's experience leading two of the nation's most important safety net health systems, coupled with the major role he has played at George Washington University in studying the needs and concerns of vulnerable patient populations, provide an ideal background for this position," said Gage. 

Dr. Siegel's recent efforts have included leading groundbreaking work on quality and equity for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He has also led projects for the Commonwealth Fund, the California Endowment, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. He is a member of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality and he has served as a director of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. 

"Dr. Siegel will be instrumental in advancing the ability of safety net hospitals to care for the uninsured over the next several years, while also engaging in transforming the entire health system to meet the needs of 32 million Americans who will be covered under health reform," said Kirk Calhoun, MD, NAPH Board Chair and CEO of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. “NAPH is very excited about Bruce becoming our CEO. His understanding of public hospitals and the challenges we face will prove invaluable as we encounter both the challenges and opportunities presented as a result of health care reform,” said Dr. Calhoun. 

“Bruce Siegel's deep understanding of health disparities will assist members in serving our diverse communities and in positioning public hospitals to be leaders in implementing health reform," said Lisa Harris, MD, who led the search process for NAPH. Dr. Harris is the immediate past Board Chair of NAPH and CEO and Medical Director of Wishard Health Services in Indianapolis. “We are also pleased that Dr. Siegel will maintain a part-time teaching position at George Washington University. NAPH's long standing relationship with the GW Health Policy Center, and its director, Sara Rosenbaum, JD, has been extremely valuable for many years," said Dr. Harris. 

Ms. Burch said she is delighted to see Dr. Siegel join the ranks of NAPH at this critical time. “I am thrilled that Bruce Siegel will be leading NAPH in this exciting era of health reform. He is a dynamic leader who understands not only our members but also the vulnerable patients they serve,” she said. “I have known Bruce for over 15 years – and I retire knowing NAPH and its members will benefit tremendously from his vision and his knowledge.” 

Gage said Ms. Burch’s two decades of service helped pave the way for the successes enjoyed by NAPH as Dr. Siegel prepares to join its ranks. “For 20 years I have been honored to work with Chris, who has worked tirelessly to advance the goals of safety net hospitals and to improve the health of America’s most vulnerable, including the uninsured and underinsured,” said Gage. “Her retirement now caps off a lifetime of distinguished health policy and federal advocacy and her contributions will be evident for years to come.” 

Dr. Siegel earned an A.B. from Princeton University, a Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College, and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. He said he is looking forward to the exciting and integral opportunity of helping to lead NAPH. Dr. Siegel will officially begin his duties in October 2010. 

“This is an unprecedented time for our patients and the public hospitals that serve them each and every day. I am eager to work with these crucial safety net systems to ensure that they have the resources and the support to protect their communities,” said Dr. Siegel. “Health care reform may have passed but our work is just beginning.” 


About the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH) 
NAPH represents the nation’s largest metropolitan hospitals and health systems that fulfill a safety net mission of providing high volumes of care to low income individuals. These facilities provide high-quality health services for all patients, including the uninsured and underinsured, regardless of ability to pay. In addition to functioning as the country’s default national health insurance system, public hospitals provide many essential community-wide services, such as pri¬mary care, trauma care, and neonatal intensive care. Public hospitals also train many of Ameri¬ca’s doctors, nurses, and other health care providers. Since its inception in 1980, NAPH has cultivated a strong presence on Capitol Hill, with the executive branch, and in many state capitols. NAPH advocates on behalf of its members on such issues as Medicaid, Medicare, and access to health care services for vulnerable populations. For more information, visit our website at http://www.naph.org/.