Reading Hospital proudly announced today that president and CEO, Charles F. Barbera, MD, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review 2023 list of “Physician Leaders to Know” for his dedication to improving and optimizing healthcare in our community.
According to Becker’s, chosen physician leaders have amassed both clinical expertise and leadership proficiency, instilling them with unique perspectives that benefit patients and colleagues alike. They have demonstrated a commitment to advancing clinical quality and patient safety while advocating for their community's well-being and utilizing their experience to drive better healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Barbera is the first physician CEO in Reading Hospital’s remarkable 150-year history. He joined the hospital in 1996 and became Chair of Emergency Medicine in 1999, a position he held for over 20 years. He was then named president and CEO in April 2022. Dr. Barbera was integral to the creation and accreditation of Reading Hospital's Trauma Center. A successful Community Paramedic Program was developed under his direction. He was also instrumental in the development of Reading Hospital's Pediatric Emergency Department and Psychiatric Emergency Department.
“On behalf of the Tower Health team, I congratulate Dr. Barbera on this prestigious and well-deserved honor,” said P. Sue Perrotty, Tower Health president and CEO. “Dr. Barbera has long been a well-respected member of the health system team and the Berks County community. I am proud to call him a friend and colleague, and I thank him for all he does for our patients, our community, and our team members.”
Dr. Barbera received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from LaSalle University, a master's degree in Business Administration from Alvernia University, and a master's degree in Public Health from George Washington University. He previously served as president of the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians and The Berks County Medical Society. He has also held positions on the boards of the Autism Society of Berks County, the American Heart Association, and the Children's Home of Reading. Dr. Barbera currently serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation Board.
Suzanne Wenderoth, MD, Tower Health and Reading Hospital Chief Medical Officer, added, “Working alongside Dr. Barbera at Reading Hospital is a privilege. He brings unparalleled perspective and energy to every project and discussion. He is a wonderful leader who treats every team member with respect and recognizes the significant role they play on the team.”
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across service lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2022 and 2023. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.