Churchwell Among Top Black Healthcare Leaders Nationwide.

André Churchwell Named to Becker’s “Black Health Care Leaders to Know” List

by Kathey Whitney

Promoting Diversity in Leadership in Health Care

Vanderbilt University’s Vice Chancellor of Equity, Diversity, Institutional Belonging, Community Outreach, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, André Churchwell, MD, has been honored in Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Black health care leaders to know” list for 2023. This achievement highlights Churchwell’s commitment to improving diversity in medical training and academic medicine.

Crucial Role of Diversity in Health Care Leadership

The Becker’s list recognizes the significance of diversity in leadership, particularly at the executive level. The leaders featured on this list work tirelessly to advance their organizations and communities, providing a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of their clients and employees. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, “their viewpoints are crucial to the foundation of organizations, programs, and partnerships that foster health equity and inclusion.”

A Career Dedicated to Health Equity and Inclusion

Churchwell began his medical training at Atlanta-based Grady Memorial Hospital, where he became the first African American chief medical resident in 1984. Shortly after, he joined a team of experts from Emory and Georgia Tech in Atlanta to form a bioengineering center. Churchwell has since dedicated his career to improving diversity in medical trainees and academic medicine while earning numerous awards for his achievements in cardiology and health equity. Additionally, Churchwell is a professor of Medicine (cardiology), a professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, and a professor of Biomedical Engineering.

Churchwell’s Accomplishments Reflect His Family’s Success

André Churchwell’s brothers, Keith Churchwell, MD, and Kevin Churchwell, MD, were also named to the Becker’s list. Keith Churchwell is the president of Yale New Haven Hospital and executive vice president of Yale New Haven Health System, while Kevin Churchwell is the president and COO of Boston Children’s Hospital.

Final Thoughts

Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Black health care leaders to know” list for 2023 reflects the continued importance of diversity in leadership and health care. André Churchwell’s achievements and dedication to promoting diversity in medical training and academic medicine contributed to his recognition in this list. Additionally, his family’s success in the health care field highlights the impact of a commitment to equity and inclusion in leadership.

The complete list of the “Black health care leaders to know” for 2023 can be accessed
here.