Patricia Maryland, DrPH, former president and CEO of St. Louis-based Ascension Healthcare, died Oct. 24 at age 72.
She held that role until her retirement in 2019, and before that she was Ascension’s president of healthcare operations and COO from 2013 to 2017. Dr. Maryland also previously held roles as president and CEO of Detroit-based St. John Providence, and as president and regional COO of Indianapolis-based St. Vincent Health, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Patricia Maryland,” Ascension CEO Joseph Impicciche said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “Dr. Maryland served our organization with dedication and vision, leaving a lasting impact on our Mission and the communities we serve. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who were inspired by her leadership and commitment.”
She served on the boards of several health systems, including Birmingham, Ala.-based Encompass Health and Detroit-based Henry Ford Health.
“Pat was both a brilliant leader and a cherished friend,” Henry Ford President and CEO Bob Riney said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “With her passing, our Detroit community — and the nation at large — have lost a healthcare visionary.”
As a board member, Dr. Maryland offered wide-ranging expertise — from clinical to finance, culture to community. “She will be deeply missed,” Mr. Riney said.
Nancy Schlichting, former CEO of Henry Ford Health, told Becker’s she had the “honor and pleasure” of working with Dr. Maryland for many years both in Detroit, where they collaborated on community health projects, and in Birmingham, where they served on Encompass’ board together.
“She was a great leader and friend whom I have always admired and will greatly miss,” Ms. Schlichting said.
Lee Higdon, a fellow board member at Encompass Health, said in an online tribute that Dr. Maryland was “always the professional.”
“She asked penetrating questions, was always prepared, and was supportive of management when she thought it appropriate,” Mr. Higdon wrote. “In short, she was the perfect board member. I enjoyed her company immensely. I am deeply saddened by her loss.”
In a 2018 Becker’s article, Dr. Maryland urged healthcare leaders to take action on social determinants of health.
“If we don’t attempt to break down the barriers that stand in the way of our patients’ journey to healthier lifestyles, who will?” she wrote. She emphasized that healthcare leaders must develop strategies to address the barriers that prevent individuals from sustaining their health — including engaging and empowering healthcare teams with resources and incentives to find new solutions.
“As we look to the future of healthcare — one that’s based on value, disease prevention and well-being rather than services and transactions — we all must recognize our role in addressing the root social determinants of health. It’s a role we all stand to benefit from and, for love of our most vulnerable neighbors, family and friends, we are compelled to play.”
Robert Henkel, who preceded Dr. Maryland as Ascension’s CEO, said on the tribute wall that she was a colleague and friend.
“Her smile and laugh brightened every day we worked together,” Mr. Henkel said.
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