Modern Healthcare has named Dr. Omar Lateef, president and CEO of RUSH, one of 2022’s Top 25 Diversity Leaders in Healthcare.
Modern Healthcare released the list Oct. 15, including leaders from some of most recognized health systems and corporations across the United States. The publication chose the leaders for using “strategies to widen access to care and build communities of wellness,” noting that “inequality in health care is a problem requiring creative solutions."
In the recognition, the editorial group who selected Lateef wrote:
“As president and CEO of RUSH, Lateef set the tone for its COVID-19 response, which focused on equity and outreach to Chicago’s underserved communities. The center’s efforts in this regard led to national attention and a medal of honor from Mayor Lori Lightfoot in April 2021. In 2022, Lateef took on an expanded, system-wide role leading RUSH, which recently announced the establishment of the RUSH BMO Institute for Health Equity, aimed at addressing barriers to care in the Chicago region.”
“I am humbled and very grateful for this recognition, but the credit truly goes to the people of RUSH who make diversity, equity and inclusion more than words,” Lateef said. “DEI is a guiding principle for our treatment of each other and every patient we are privileged to care for. Respect and the pursuit for equitable access to health care have been part of RUSH’s DNA before I started and will forever stay. RUSH is honored that our values are being recognized and are influencing others.”
In addition to the individuals selected, Modern Healthcare chose nine organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to diversity in their workforces, including at an executive and board level.
