University Hospitals Again Named a Modern Healthcare National Top Diversity Leader

September 01, 2023

Annual recognition honors the top healthcare executives and organizations demonstrating a commitment to diversity in their workforces and communities

CLEVELAND – For the second year in a row, University Hospitals (UH) has been recognized for its evolving work toward eliminating inequities by being named to Modern Healthcare’s List of Top Diversity Leaders.

UH is among nine organizations nationwide selected for their commitment to addressing social determinants of health and improving access to equitable healthcare and services. UH recognizes that communities often need help to be healthy and that a fair and respectful workplace contributes to a healthy workplace.

Under Board and Executive leadership, UH is recognized by Modern Healthcare for:

• Creating department equity officers and convening UH leaders to create a DEI council -- a faculty recruitment plan for increasing physician numbers from under-represented areas and strengthening capabilities for accountability and equal opportunity for promotion;
• Establishing monthly Lunch & Learn interactive webinars addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, which have seen an 80 percent engagement increase during the 19 months since their inception;
• Expanding Food for Life Markets to four locations, serving more than 4,100 individuals and providing about 213,000 pounds of food to families suffering health ramifications from living in food deserts; and,
• Adding higher-skilled jobs as part of Step Up to UH -- the health system’s flagship workforce development program.

“The character of University Hospitals as a health system and trusted leader in care is built on how we treat people in our community and how we treat each other,” said University Hospitals CEO Cliff Megerian, MD, FACS; Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. “For the second consecutive year, Modern Healthcare confirmed through this award that we are moving in the right direction. We look forward to the work ahead.”

The profiles of the Top Diversity Leaders in Healthcare are published online at Modernhealthcare.com and in the October issue of Modern Healthcare magazine. Click here to see UH’s recognition.

“The honorees on Modern Healthcare’s 2022 lists of Top Diversity Leaders and Organizations demonstrate a willingness to devote the resources necessary to execute meaningful diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, Modern Healthcare’s editor. “Their efforts to provide greater opportunities internally while advancing health equity initiatives in their communities set a great example for others to follow.”