Gary S. Kaplan

Gary S. Kaplan, MD, FACP, FACMPE, FACPE, has served as Chairman and CEO of the Virginia Mason Health System since 2000. Dr. Kaplan received his medical degree from the University of Michigan and is board-certified in internal medicine.

During Dr. Kaplan's tenure as Chairman and CEO, Virginia Mason has received significant national and international recognition, including receiving HealthGrades' Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence for three consecutive years. Recently, for the fourth straight year, Virginia Mason was one of 37 hospitals and eight children's hospitals named a 2009 Top Hospital in the Nation by The Leapfrog Group. Virginia Mason was the only hospital in the Pacific Northwest to be recognized.

Virginia Mason is also a national leader in applying the Toyota Production System to healthcare management – reducing the high costs of healthcare while improving quality, safety and efficiency.

Besides his patient-care duties and position as CEO, Dr. Kaplan is a clinical professor at the University of Washington and has been recognized for his service and contribution to many regional and national boards, including the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the Medical Group Management Association, the National Patient Safety Foundation, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Healthcare Forum. Dr. Kaplan is a founding member of Health CEOs for Heath Reform.

Dr. Kaplan was designated a fellow in the American College of Physician Executives in 2007. In 2009 and 2010, he was named the 16th most influential US physician leader in healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine.

Dr. Kaplan's honors include receiving the John M. Eisenberg Award from the National Quality Forum and The Joint Commission for Individual Achievement Award at the national level for his outstanding work and commitment to patient safety and quality. He has also been recognized by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) as the recipient of the Harry J. Harwick Lifetime Achievement Award. Each year, the MGMA and the American College of Medical Practice Executives honor one individual who has made outstanding nationally recognized contributions to healthcare administration, delivery and education, advancing the field of medical practice management.

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Healthcare Quality, Safety & Efficiency: How We Can Improve