Huntington Memorial HospitalKevin Andrus, 626-397-8655
Paula Verrette, M.D., chief medical officer and vice president of quality and performance improvement at , has been promoted to senior vice president of quality and physician services, hospital CEO Steve Ralph announced today. In her new role Dr. Verrette will continue to focus on quality and performance improvement with increased emphasis and oversight of physician clinical activities, medical staff activities, accountable care organization (ACO) development and clinical informatics.
“The changing healthcare landscape presents us with wonderful opportunities to enhance quality of care and redefine the way we deliver care to our community,” said Ralph. “Dr. Verrette is an outstanding leader who is respected by physicians, patients and fellow members of our leadership team. Now, she will play an even greater part in the present and future direction of our hospital as we continue to build quality-enhanced, efficient and innovative new partnerships and programs that will serve our community in the best ways possible.”
The architect behind a series of innovative educational programs, Dr. Verrette is today a national resource and often-quoted spokesperson in the areas of childhood asthma and obesity as well as adult diabetes. As such she currently serves as medical director of Huntington Hospital’s Community Asthma Program and project director of the hospital’s Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program for both childhood obesity as well as adult diabetes.
Upon earning her undergraduate degree at Xavier University of New Orleans and her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Verrette began her career as a resident in pediatrics at USC-LAC Medical Center where she became pediatric chief resident.
From 1983-2008 she served the local community as a member of Pasadena Children’s Medical Group and was appointed pediatric consultant to the Pasadena Unified School District and pediatric medical director of Community Health Alliance of Pasadena. Named one of the “Best Doctors in Los Angeles” in 1996, she was also tapped in 1999 to be the YMCA “Woman of the Year.” In 2005 Dr. Verrette was presented with the “Living Legend Award” from the American Medical Women’s Association.
Huntington Memorial Hospital is a 625-bed not-for-profit hospital that is home to the only Level II trauma center in the San Gabriel Valley. In addition to being granted Magnet status in 2011, Huntington Hospital has been ranked nationally by in two specialties and was named the eighth best hospital in California. Renowned for its programs in neurosciences, cardiovascular services and cancer care, Huntington Hospital is an active teaching hospital with graduate medical education programs in internal medicine and general surgery. Consistent with its mission the hospital provides millions of dollars annually in charity care, benefits for vulnerable populations, health research, education and training, and support programs that may otherwise be absent from the community. For more information, visit .