Patricia Gabow, MD, professor emerita of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and former CEO of Denver Health, has today been named the recipient of the Gustav O. Lienhard Award for Advancement of Health Care.
The award is the presented annually by the National Academy of Medicine in honor of Gustav O. Lienhard, chairman of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1986.
Gabow is being honored for her nearly 50-year career as a hospital administrator, clinical investigator, professor, board member, and advocate for improved health care delivery. For 20 years, Gabow was CEO of Denver Health.
The award, which includes a medal and $40,000, will be presented at the National Academy of Medicine’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. on October 21.
“Dr. Gabow has changed the notion of what a local safety net hospital can be by transforming Denver Health into a highly integrated health care system that serves everyone,” said National Academy of Medicine President Victor J. Dzau. “Not only did she make Denver Health a national model of success, she created a culture where all employees embodied the best values of health care – respect, collaboration, and relentless commitment to continuous improvement. She is most deserving of this prestigious award.”
