Gary S. Kaplan, MD
Gary S. Kaplan, MD, FACP, FACMPE, FACPE, was awarded the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality in 2009 and was also a recipient of the Harry J. Harwick Lifetime Achievement Award from the Medical Group Management Association and the American College of Medical Practice Executives. Modern Physician and Modern Healthcare ranked Dr. Kaplan 12th on the 2011 listing of the 50 Most Influential Physician Executives.
As Chairman and CEO of Seattle-based Virginia Mason Health System, Dr. Kaplan has led the implementation of the Virginia Mason Production System, based on the Toyota Production System, to reduce costs and improve quality, safety and efficiency. Under Dr. Kaplan’s leadership, Virginia Mason was named a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence by HealthGrades in 2011, a Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for five consecutive years, and was one of two hospitals named a Leapfrog Top Hospital of the Decade for patient safety and quality.
Dr. Kaplan is also a clinical professor at the University of Washington, secretary-treasurer of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and is on the Board of Directors at the National Patient Safety Foundation and has served as its Chair. He serves on the Board of Washington Healthcare Forum and is a founding member of Health CEOs for Health Reform.
