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Denise Wilson, DNP

System Director for Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation

SSM Health

St. Louis, MO

Dr. Wilson leads enterprisewide regulatory readiness across SSM Health’s 24 hospitals, 540-plus clinics, 11 post-acute sites and behavioral health services. She designed and deployed SSM Health’s internal comprehensive assessment program, a systemwide mock survey model that saved the organization more than $1 million in avoided survey-related costs while materially improving infection prevention, equipment readiness and high-risk documentation compliance. Dr. Wilson pioneered the application of conversion rate methodology to patient complaints and grievances, pairing it with a grievance severity rating scale that standardized evaluation across the enterprise, ultimately creating an early warning system for regulatory risk. In 2026, she was featured by The Joint Commission for her work advancing “National Patient Safety Goal 2: Culture of Safety,” and in 2025 she was invited by the Health Resources and Services Administration to serve on a technical expert panel advising on National Safety and Quality Standards for Organ Procurement Organizations. She received the “Distinguished Quality Professional Award” from the Missouri Association for Healthcare Quality in 2025.

Becker's Recognition

Denise Wilson, DNPhas been named a Becker's honoree on the lists below.

2026 Winner

Executives

145 Patient Safety Experts to Know

These Patient Safety Experts to Know have demonstrated exceptional dedication to enhancing patient care standards and minimizing healthcare risks. Their innovative approaches, extensive research, and commitment to safety protocols have significantly contributed to improving patient outcomes and setting new benchmarks in healthcare safety.

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