For 2024, Dr. Cruz continues to lead transformative efforts to improve community health, enhance patient experience, reduce healthcare costs and address clinician burnout. Under his leadership, OSF HealthCare is constructing a new 64,000-square-foot inpatient treatment facility for behavioral health, further addressing critical community needs. He also oversaw the unveiling of a breakthrough treatment center as part of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, expanding advanced care options for patients. Additionally, OSF is welcoming KSB Hospital in Dixon, Ill., into its ministry, strengthening healthcare access in the region. For the sixth consecutive year, OSF was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s best-in-state employers in 2024. Dr. Cruz joined OSF HealthCare in 1987 as a resident physician and now serves as COO. His work in population health, value-based care and quality continues to drive the success of OSF, including surpassing the CMS quality benchmark by $35 million in savings as an ACO in 2022. His leadership during Covid-19 made him a sought-after spokesperson, contributing to OSF being recognized among “America’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fortune for 2023.
