Dr. James Merlino Named President and Chief Medical Officer of Press Ganey's Strategic Consulting Division

BOSTON, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Press Ganey Associates, Inc. announced today that Dr. James Merlino will join Press Ganey as president and chief medical officer of the strategic consulting division. Dr. Merlino, an accomplished surgeon and industry leader in improving the patient experience, comes to Press Ganey from Cleveland Clinic health system where he serves as chief experience officer and associate chief of staff. He is also a practicing surgeon, and the founder and current president of the Association for Patient Experience.

Dr. Merlino brings more than two decades of health care leadership experience to Press Ganey. As a pioneer in the movement to advance patient-centered care, his considerable insight and expertise will support Press Ganey clients as they redesign care under new delivery models. In his role, Dr. Merlino will build a consultancy to help providers improve the delivery of safe, high-quality care in a patient-centered environment.

"We have tremendous respect for Cleveland Clinic and their achievements in bringing the patient experience to the forefront of the delivery system," said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO, Press Ganey. "We are privileged to have Dr. Merlino join Press Ganey. His addition to the executive team represents our ongoing investment in strategic consultancy services to help our clients redefine care delivery around the needs of the patient."

As part of the innovative work at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Merlino spearheaded numerous initiatives to ensure that all aspects of care met the highest standards, including same day appointment guarantees. Additionally, he championed organizational culture as a key component of patient-centered care through improved communication and coordination.

"In both my executive role and clinical practice, it has been a priority for me to advance the delivery of safe, high quality care in a patient-centric environment," said Dr. Merlino. "Press Ganey's tremendous reach offers a platform to share proven patient experience concepts, strategies and programs more broadly across the health care community."

Dr. Merlino attended Cleveland State University and Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He earned his MD from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Merlino has continued his education as an AHRQ Research Fellow at the Case Western Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; in the Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management at Brandeis University's Heller School of Policy and Management; and in the Strategy for Healthcare Delivery program at Harvard Business School.

Dr. Merlino assumes his role on January 1, 2015.

About Press Ganey Associates, Inc.

Recognized as a leader in performance improvement for nearly 30 years, Press Ganey partners with more than 11,000 health care organizations worldwide to create and sustain high-performing organizations, and, ultimately, improve the overall health care experience. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to help clients operate efficiently, improve quality, increase market share and optimize reimbursement. Press Ganey works with clients from across the continuum of care – hospitals, medical practices, home care agencies and other providers – including more than 50% of all U.S. hospitals. For more information, visit www.pressganey.com.

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SOURCE Press Ganey Associates, Inc.