Four members of the Reading Hospital team have received national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review for their professional accomplishments.
- Suzanne Wenderoth, MD, Tower Health and Reading Hospital Chief Medical Officer, was named to the list of Chief Medical Officers (CMO) to Know.
- H. Christopher Lawson, Chief, of the Division of Neurologic Surgery at Reading Hospital, was named to the list of Black Healthcare Leaders to Know.
- Desha Dickson, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Wellness at Tower Health, was named to the list of Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officers to Know.
- Melanie Stutzman-Ricci, Vice President of Support Services, was named to the list of Supply Chain Leaders to Know.
“I am so proud that the outstanding talents of Dr. Wenderoth, Dr. Lawson, Ms. Dickson, and Ms. Stutzman-Ricci have been recognized by a national healthcare publication,” said P. Sue Perrotty, Tower Health CEO. “These awards demonstrate that our team members are among the best in the country. Their roles and unique perspectives are critical to the continued success and the health of our patients and community.”
Chief Medical Officers (CMO) to Know
Chief Medical Officers are responsible for leading safe, efficient, and high-quality care delivery at their hospitals and health systems, according to Becker’s. They serve as patient safety champions, expert liaisons for medical staff and leadership, and forces for positive change.
Dr. Wenderoth, a practicing physician, is responsible for Medical Affairs and Central Verification Offices, which ensure the alignment of Tower Health physicians and providers.
She oversees the Care Management, Population Health, and Utilization Review programs for Tower Health and Reading Hospital, as well as quality and safety initiatives related to length of stay, inpatient utilization, readmissions, and transition of care. In addition, she is a member of the Tower Health Providers Board of Managers and the Reading Area Community College Board of Trustees.
“We have an extraordinary team of physicians and advanced practice providers throughout Tower Health,” Dr. Wenderoth said. “It is my privilege to represent them in my role as CMO and work alongside them as we care for all members of our community.”
Black Healthcare Leaders to Know
Diversity in leadership, particularly at the executive level, provides healthcare organizations with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of their patients and employees, according to Becker’s. These leaders work tirelessly to advance their organizations and communities, and this list honors them for their commitment to health equity and the healthcare field.
As Chief of Neurological Surgery, Dr. Lawson provides medical leadership, oversight, and strategic planning for the neurosurgery team at Reading Hospital while serving as a member of the surgical advisory committee and the surgical value analysis committee.
Shortly after his arrival, Dr. Lawson developed the deep brain stimulation program for movement disorders, in partnership with physician colleagues in the neurology department. Prior to the start of the program, community members had to travel outside of Berks County for this life-changing treatment.
Dr. Lawson is committed to outreach and education. He participates in community events to discuss the continuum of care available in the health system and is an assistant professor of neurological surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine.
“Being a part of Reading Hospital is important to me, and our team members are critical to the success of our program,” Dr. Lawson said. “Treating our patients and improving their quality of life is my passion.”
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officers to Know
DEI officers are instrumental in addressing health disparities, promoting inclusive workforce cultures, establishing business resource groups, and providing essential educational training, according to Becker’s. Their efforts are pivotal to transforming the healthcare landscape.
Within the health system and community, Ms. Dickson is a highly respected leader and mentor. She is also a passionate advocate for patients, employees, and the surrounding communities. In her role as Vice President of DEI and Community Wellness, she drives the organization’s efforts to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural proficiency within the health system.
She and her team are instrumental in developing and implementing initiatives with community partners to improve the health of the community through innovations in health education and community engagement.
“I’m proud of this recognition from Becker’s because it recognizes all the important work the DEI team and council have accomplished,” Ms. Dickson said. “The communities we serve have my promise that we will continue to do this important work.”
Supply Chain Leaders to Know
Supply chain leaders oversee the behind-the-scenes operations that ensure their hospitals and health systems function seamlessly, without disrupting patient care. Leveraging years of experience in healthcare supply chain management, these leaders secure cost savings, cultivate partnerships and manage logistics.
Ms. Stutzman-Ricci is a Certified Nephrology Nurse by practice and background. This experience allows her to help translate clinical into business, providing insight and expertise when needed.
With the help of her leadership, the Supply Chain team has been instrumental in addressing significant supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives and enhanced inventory management practices, the team ensured the continuous availability of essential supplies while ensuring that items were not going to waste.
“I am humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to serve Tower Health and the surrounding communities,” said Ms. Stutzman-Ricci. “The exciting changes happening at Tower Health are credited to the incredibly skilled and highly engaged team I have the privilege to work with."