Dr. Melinda Estes recognized as a 50 Most Influential Physician Executive and Leader by Modern Healthcare
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Saint Luke’s Health System is proud to announce that Melinda L. Estes, M.D., President and CEO of Saint Luke’s Health System, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of this year’s 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders. The complete ranking is a main feature in the June 18 issue of Modern Healthcare magazine.
The recognition program acknowledges physicians working in the healthcare industry who are deemed by their peers and an expert panel to be the most influential in terms of demonstrating leadership and impact.
“From the opioid crisis to dramatic changes in public policy to a shifting reimbursement model, healthcare organizations are facing significant challenges. The physician executives on this year’s list are at the forefront of driving change in the healthcare industry,” said Matthew Weinstock, Modern Healthcare’s managing editor. “The list includes physician executives who are influencing healthcare both locally and nationally. We had an impressive list of nominees this year and getting it down to 50 was not easy, but we believe this list is representative of the transformation that’s taking place in the industry.”
Dr. Estes became the President and CEO of Saint Luke’s Health System in 2011 after serving as President and CEO of Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vermont, and as CEO of Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston and Naples.
A board-certified neurologist and neuropathologist, Dr. Estes oversees the operations of Saint Luke’s Health System, the region’s only not-for-profit, faith-based, aligned health system, which includes 14 hospitals and campuses; renowned heart, neuroscience, and cancer programs; home care and hospice; behavioral health care; dozens of physician practices, a senior living community, and more.
In 2018, Dr. Estes was elected to the 2018 Power 100, a guide to the most powerful people in Kansas City business circles. She has consistently been named to Becker’s Hospital Review lists of leaders to know, including its “Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know” each year since 2012, as well as consistent inclusion in its lists of “Physician Leaders of Hospitals and Health Systems.”
Dr. Estes has been active with many professional organizations and has served on a number of national boards and committees. She is a member of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees and its executive committee and also serves on the Missouri Hospital Association Board of Trustees.
For information on the Modern Healthcare 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders Awards Program, contact:
Jodi Sniegocki
Education & Events Director
jsniegocki@modernhealthcare.com
312.649.5459
Saint Luke’s Health System
Saint Luke’s Health System consists of 14 area hospitals and campus as well as several primary and specialty care practices, and provides a range of inpatient, outpatient, and home care services. Founded as a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, our mission includes a commitment to the highest levels of excellence in health care and the advancement of medical research and education. The health system is an aligned organization in which the physicians and hospitals assume responsibility for enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of people in the metropolitan Kansas City area and the surrounding region.
