CHOP names first woman CEO

    The nation’s first pediatric hospital is naming its first female CEO. Madeline Bell will take over the position at the 160-year old Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on July 1st, following the retirement of Dr. Steven Altschuler, who has held the position for the past 15 years.

    The 54-year old Villanova graduate has been Chief Operating Officer at CHOP since 2007, and says her experience as a pediatric nurse will help her connect with the system’s 12,000 employees.

    “Although I’m not going to be taking care of patients in an executive role, I think it is really important that I have my roots in clinical care,” said Bell. “And I think it gives me empathy for what the front line staff goes through.”

    Research will remain a priority under Bell, as will finding new ways to contain ever-increasing medical bills.

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    “I think now that families are paying more for health care, we really need to do a good job of making sure that we are accessible for families, easy for them to navigate, and welcoming, and provide good service.”

    CHOP rapidly increased their presence in the region during Altschuler’s tenure, with new buildings in the works in King of Prussia, South Philly and on the eastern banks of the Schuylkill, across from their headquarters.

    The nationally recognized hospital now brings in more than $2 billion in annual revenue.

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