Summa Health on Tuesday announced the promotion of Dr. Vivian von Gruenigen to the position of chief medical officer, effective July 5.
She will replace Dr. Erik Steele, who announced plans in March to return to his native home of New England to be closer to his family.
Von Gruenigen joined Summa in 2009 and serves as the chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology and the medical director for women’s health.
She will be the first woman to serve as Summa’s CMO.
Her promotion comes as Summa undertakes a $350 million plan to upgrade its facilities, including construction of a new six-story tower on its main campus on the edge of downtown Akron.
“It’s perfect timing,” von Gruenigin said Tuesday.
The hospital system’s outside is changing at the same time its inner-workings and philosophy are changing toward patient-centered care, she said.
“I saw patients this morning and I could route everything I did to another physician and it goes to them immediately,” she said, referring to a Summa computer system that will help doctors share information in real-time.
At the same time, space in the new building is being designed so that doctors can meet together — or via computer — to discuss patient cases.
As chief medical officer, von Gruenigen will serve as a member of Summa’s leadership team, providing medical oversight, expertise and leadership to ensure the highest standards of quality and service are maintained, the hospital system said.
Dr. Thomas Malone, Summa’s president and CEO, said von Gruenigen has already proven her ability to lead the organization toward improving community health.
“The role of chief medical officer is critical to our population health management strategy, and her vision and leadership will be instrumental as we continuously seek to improve the quality of our services through a more patient-centered approach to health care,” he said.
Von Gruenigen recently received her physician executive certification from the American College of Physician Executives and serves on the boards of the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Foundation.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ohio State University and a medical degree from Wright State University with honors. She completed her residency in ob/gyn at Summa Akron City Hospital and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Texas, Southwestern. Von Gruenigen also has received numerous research grants, teaching awards and national honors. She resides in Hartville with her husband, Dr. Dominic Bagnoli, and their two children.
“On a personal note, I’m very thrilled and honored to have the support of Dr. Malone and the leadership team,” von Gruenigen said.
She’ll work alongside Steele, whom she considers a mentor, in June to make the transition to CMO, she said.
Meanwhile, a search for her replacement in women’s health will begin immediately.
Amanda Garrett can be reached at 330-996-3725 or agarrett@thebeaconjournal.com.