LANSING, Mich., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) presented its Health Care Leadership Award today to three individuals in the categories of physician/nurse leaders, health care executive leaders, and health care governing board leaders. The awards were bestowed during the MHA Health Foundation’s 2005 Health Care Leadership Forum to Kathleen Ryan, vice president of acute care services and chief nursing officer at Providence Hospital & Medical Centers in Southfield, a member of the St. John Health System; Nancy M. Schlichting, president and chief executive officer of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit; and Ted B. Wahby, chairman of the Mount Clemens General Hospital Board of Trustees.
“This award is presented for outstanding leadership to a health care organization and to the health and well-being of the community. It’s an honor to present the Health Care Leadership Award to these three exceptional leaders,” said MHA President Spencer Johnson. “Using their guidance and administrative skills within their diverse roles, each has enhanced the care within their organizations and the health status of their communities.”
Kathleen Ryan was given the award in the category of physician and nurse leaders. She began her health care career at Providence as a staff nurse in 1970 and is committed to her profession, patient care, clinical safety and excellence. The high regard of her colleagues is evidenced by her receipt of the Oakland University School of Nursing’s Nightingale Award in 2001. The relationships Ryan has developed through mentoring nurses and partnering with nursing schools have helped Providence maintain one of the lowest nurse turnover rates in Southeast Michigan. Her leadership in excellence and collaboration with physician colleagues has led to Providence’s nursing care receiving the system’s highest scores on the St. John Health System Physician Satisfaction Survey. She has been a catalyst for St. John’s Work Life Community strategic team, helping to develop key initiatives to retain talent and create a positive work environment. Her work in performance improvement has led to an innovative evaluation system for clinical candidates. Ryan also actively promotes women’s health in her community. She is a parish nurse, has participated in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, and has often provided preventive health screenings at the Novi Women’s Expo.
Nancy M. Schlichting was presented the award in the category of health care executive leaders. Schlichting has been president and chief executive officer of Henry Ford Health System since 2003 and previously served in leadership roles as the system’s chief operating officer and president of its flagship facility, Henry Ford Hospital. To stem financial losses that reached nearly $75 million in 2001, she appointed a new operational and financial leadership team; made significant process and aesthetic improvements; sustained expense management; created a culture of optimism, focus and teamwork; and developed a platform for high quality and service that resulted in a major transformation at the hospital and within the health system. By 2003, the system’s finances had moved out of the red, and they continue to show signs of growth and stability. Schlichting’s guidance has also fostered positive employee relations, an exceptional patient experience and continued clinical quality. Under her leadership, Henry Ford Health System received the 2004 Foster G. McGaw Prize for excellence in community service, which is exemplified in Schlichting’s personal life, as well. She is a role model for women and touches many lives through her volunteer work with the United Way, YMCA, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation and other groups.
In the category of health care governing board leaders, the award was conferred to Ted B. Wahby. A former bank vice president and current Macomb County Treasurer, Wahby has been a member of the Mount Clemens General Hospital Board of Trustees since 2000 and its chair since 2002. The strength of his leadership skills was clearly demonstrated as the hospital began raising funds for a $15 million radiation oncology center. Using his contacts and influence in Macomb County, Wahby encouraged local business owners, financial institutions and service organizations to generously participate in the capital campaign. In addition, he and a local developer persuaded a group of real estate and business developers to donate $200 to the oncology center for each lot they develop, an effort projected to raise more than $3 million. As of July, a total of $11 million has been pledged toward what is now known as the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center, for which construction is scheduled to being in 2006. A 40-year resident of Macomb County, Wahby considers Mount Clemens General Hospital a valuable resource in the growing community. Always at the forefront of promoting the hospital, he has worked tirelessly to enhance public awareness of the need for a local cancer center.
The MHA is a state association, based in Lansing, that represents and supports Michigan hospitals, health systems and health care providers through education, advocacy and communication.
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
CONTACT: Sherry Mirasola or Linda Dicks, both of Michigan Health &Hospital Association, +1-517-323-3443
Web site: http://www.mha.org/
