Dive Brief:
- Dr. Charles Sorenson of the Utah-based, 22-hospital Intermountain Healthcare system has announced plans to retire as its president and CEO in October 2016.
- Sorenson has been at the system's helm since 2009. Before his current role, he joined as executive vice president and COO in 1998.
- Following his retirement, Sorenson plans to lead the Intermountain Healthcare Leadership Institute--a new venture that aims to educate physicians and other health professionals about quality improvement and cost-effectiveness.
Dive Insight:
Sorenson has left an indelible mark on the system and his departure will leave an opening for which Intermountain plans to lead a national search.
“Under Dr. Sorenson's leadership, Intermountain has advanced its local, national, and international reputation as an industry leader in evidence-based medicine,” Intermountain board chair Scott Anderson stated in a press release.
Sorenson, 64, has also continued to practice urologic surgery with a focus in oncology.
Intermountain Chief Quality Officer Dr. Brent James told Modern Healthcare Sorenson has been instrumental in the data-driven clinical improvement movement.
“I can't count the times when an issue has come up when it's between money and a patient outcome; we go with the patient every time. I can count on him to put the community we serve first,” James said. The publication notes Sorenson ranked 38 on this year's list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.