Warner Thomas Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People by Modern Healthcare

Ochsner Health System is proud to announce that Warner Thomas, President and CEO, was recognized by Modern Healthcareas one of 2019’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. The complete ranking is a main feature in this week’s issue of Modern Healthcaremagazine.

This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential individuals in the industry, in terms of leadership and impact.

Thomas, number 64 on the list, joins the ranks of such notable healthcare executives and policymakers as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma; Amazon Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Bezos; Apple CEO Tim Cook and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.

Thomas first joined Ochsner in 1998 and served as president and chief operating officer for 14 years until becoming President and CEO in 2012. Thomas has led the academic health system in embracing technology through innovationOchsner, which integrates solution-based artificial intelligence and digital tools, while also creating a culture of care and empathy. He is focused on advancement through growth and development, which is evident as the health system continues to ensure that quality healthcare is available throughout the Gulf South through strategic partnerships and affiliations. In September, Lafayette General Health announced its intention to merge with Ochsner and the combined system will result in the largest and most comprehensive healthcare provider in the Gulf South.

“This year’s selection process was contentious and difficult. Many healthcare organizations made bold strides in the continued transformation of the industry. Many others were more cautious during a year that brought uncertainty over how the law of the land might change as a result of a federal court decision,” commented Aurora Aguilar, Modern Healthcare editor. “The honorees chosen this year by Modern Healthcare and our readers are those who were fearless in their risky strategies and unapologetic in their rationale. Whether you agree with the compiled list or not, you can’t argue with the influence of these 100 healthcare leaders. Congratulations to those honorees.”

Under Thomas’s leadership, Ochsner’s strategy revolves around supporting the growing needs of the patient population and providing specialty services where and when patients need it. Some of this is accomplished in partnership with other strong healthcare organizations across the Gulf South and provides the opportunity for Ochsner to scale patient-centered technology and other solutions to bring advanced care closer to home.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by Modern Healthcare as one its 100 most influential people and a testament to our talented team of physicians, nurses, administrators and employees,” said Thomas. “Whether it’s tackling chronic disease through digital medicine programs or forming strategic partnerships to provide comprehensive care close to home, Ochsner is a system that delivers health to its patients each day. We remain committed to innovative solutions and will continue to work hard to change the lives of those across the country.”

For more information about Ochsner Health System, visit www.ochsner.org.

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About Ochsner Health System

Ochsner Health is Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, healthcare system. Driven by a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate, coordinated clinical and hospital patient care is provided across the region by Ochsner's 40 owned, managed and affiliated hospitals and specialty hospitals, and more than 100 health centers and urgent care centers. Ochsner is the #1 ranked hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized as a “Best Hospital” across two specialty categories caring for patients from all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide each year. Ochsner Hospital for Children is the only facility in Louisiana to be recognized as a top 50 children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years. Ochsner employs nearly 25,000 employees and over 4,500 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts more than 700 clinical research studies. Ochsner Health is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.