American Osteopathic Association Names Sally Szumlas Chief Operating Officer

CHICAGO, April 27, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Veteran health care executive Sally Szumlas was named chief operating officer of the American Osteopathic Association, which represents the interests of more than 129,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and medical students.

Szumlas is a board-certified clinical nurse executive with more than 20 years of experience in management and organizational development, with expertise in restructuring and performance improvement. Prior to joining the American Osteopathic Association, she was vice president of population health and quality for Family Health Network, the only provider-directed, not-for-profit Medicaid HMO and managed care network in the greater Chicago area, and held leadership roles at Northwestern Medicine and University of Chicago Medicine.

"Sally's early experience as a critical care nurse translates into an ability to make important decisions quickly and prioritize needs. That foundation, combined with her strong performance as a change management leader, makes her ideal to guide this dynamic organization as it executes the second phase of its strategic plan," said Adrienne White-Faines, American Osteopathic Association CEO.

In her new role, Szumlas is responsible for overall strategic and systemic improvements, delivering operational efficiencies and guiding implementation of the strategic plan. She will directly manage human resources, certifying board services, membership and information technology.

"As a nurse executive, I've had the opportunity to work on building and optimizing systems that support the delivery of high quality health care throughout my career. I am thrilled to join the American Osteopathic Association family and leadership team. This is a critical time to demonstrate the impact of osteopathic medicine on global health. I'm eager to collaborate with this outstanding medical profession as we work to advance the association's mission," said Szumlas.

Szumlas has presented widely on quality improvement and population health initiatives and has published in Nurse Leader and the Joint Commission Journal of Quality and Patient Safety. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern University, a Master's Degree in Nursing Administration from DePaul University, where she will complete her Master of Public Health in June 2017.  Szumlas is currently pursuing her doctorate in Systems Leadership at Rush University College of Nursing.   

About the American Osteopathic Association

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 129,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on DOs/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.DoctorsThatDO.org.

SOURCE American Osteopathic Association

Related Links

http://www.osteopathic.org/