Who: Dr. Alan Kaplan, 55
New role: CEO at UW Health, the healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. His appointment is effective May 2.
Background: Kaplan has served for 6 ½ years as executive VP and chief clinical transformation officer at UnityPoint Health, West Des Moines, Iowa. Previously, he was VP and chief medical officer at Edward Hospital and Health Services, Naperville, Ill.
Training next-gen docs: If an academic medical center is going to prepare doctors for the future demands of medicine, Kaplan said the organization must be a leader in transforming care delivery. “Patient-centered, coordinated care must be practiced in the learning environment so doctors know what tomorrow's healthcare will look like.”
Hitting home: Kaplan's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer just over a year ago. He said he was in awe of the care coordination that began with the initial mammogram and confirmation of her diagnosis, through treatment, reconstruction and follow-up care. “She's my best friend, the mother of my children, my No. 1,” he said, adding that her experience was a powerful reminder that every patient is someone's No. 1. He said that will drive his leadership at UW Health.