The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) is pleased to announce Patricia (Patty) Gabow, MD, MACP, as the Spring 2024 convocation keynote speaker. As the former CEO of Denver Health, Gabow has been a champion of public health through her research, teaching, leadership, and advocacy for fifty years.
Gabow is a national leader in delivery system innovation and the care of vulnerable populations. She retired in 2012 after 20 years as CEO of Denver Health and Hospital Authority (DHHA), an integrated health care system serving one of the poorest populations in the state of Colorado.
She was a founding member of the federal Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission and currently serves as Chair of the Lown Institute Board.
Gabow’s advocacy work—from integrating the work of safety net hospitals with public health departments, to advocating for expanded insurance coverage through Medicaid and CHIP—aligns closely with the mission and vision of ColoradoSPH.
“Dr. Gabow’s years of research, teaching, leadership, and advocacy have elevated the role of public health and improved countless lives. She has shown tremendous dedication to our shared community throughout her career ,” said Cathy Bradley, PhD, dean and professor, ColoradoSPH. “Her story and insights will serve as the catalyst our graduates need as they embark on the next phase of their professional public health careers.”
The healthcare system that she revolutionized is an integration of the Denver Health Medical Center, a regional trauma center, the 911 system, a system of family health centers and clinics in public schools, the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, an inmate health care program, a public health institute, and more.
She is the author of more than 130 articles, 37 books and book chapters, and a recent book, TIME’S NOW for Women Healthcare Leaders: A Guide to the Journey. She has received numerous awards including the:
- National Academy of Medicine’s Gustav O. Lienhard Award;
- American Medical Association Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Public Servant;
- National Healthcare Leadership Award;
- Association of American Medical Colleges David E. Rogers Award;
- Florence Rena Sabin Award from the University of Colorado School of Medicine;
- Health Quality Leader Award from the National Committee for Quality Assurance;
- Ohtli Award from the Mexican government;
- Distinguished Graduate Award from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
She is a member of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence Hall of Fame, the National Academy of Social Insurance, and the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. She is a graduate of Seton Hill University and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. ColoradoSPH Spring convocation will be held on May 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Parade Grounds immediately following the campus commencement ceremonies.
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April 24, 2024