50 Most Influential Clinical Executives - 2021

Ozuah took over as CEO just nine months before the pandemic swept across the U.S. Under his leadership, Montefiore acted quickly in the early days of the pandemic, increasing bed capacity 100% and establishing seven COVID-19 testing sites, among other things. The system also set up a fund that brought in nearly $16 million in donations for cash assistance and food for staff, hotels, personal protective equipment and other supplies. Montefiore also launched one of the first “long-haulers” clinics for COVID recovery. Ozuah also used his leadership platform to talk about his personal experiences to raise awareness of structural racism facing the industry and how it impacts health disparities. He led Montefiore in forging and enhancing community partnerships to address equity of care and social determinants of health.