Ms. Ruokis leads systemwide quality improvement, risk management, patient safety and operational excellence efforts for UChicago Medicine, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-value care across Chicago’s South Side and beyond. An industrial engineer by training, she has institutionalized evidence-based clinical pathways to optimize resources and reduce unwarranted variation in care. Her commitment to a just culture has driven a 20% year-over-year increase in event reporting for the last two fiscal years, with an identified reporter rate approaching 80%. Under her leadership, the organization has strengthened its safety culture while maintaining accountability and transparency. Since joining UChicago Medicine in 2014, she has advanced from quality program manager to vice president, consistently delivering measurable improvements in patient outcomes and safety. Her work supports the institution’s long-standing record of excellence, including 27 consecutive Leapfrog “A” safety grades and multiple national quality awards.
