Vidant Health’s Dr. Joan D. Wynn Receives NCHA Clinical Leadership Award | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    Greenville, N.C. — July 24, 2019 - Joan D. Wynn, PhD, RN, chief quality and patient safety officer for Vidant Health, has been awarded the North Carolina Healthcare Association's (NCHA) 2019 Clinical Leadership Award. The Clinical Leadership Award is presented to a clinician who has made an outstanding contribution to his/her organization through creativity, collaboration and clinical excellence.


    "I am humbled to receive this recognition that reflects the work of an amazing team of people at Vidant Health," Dr. Wynn said. "From the bedside to the boardroom, our team is focused on one goal - excellence for the people and communities we serve. I want to thank NCHA and all its member institutions for the extraordinary way they transforming healthcare to improve the health of all North Carolinians."

    Dr. Wynn was recognized at the NCHA Summer Membership Meeting in Pinehurst on July 18.

    Under Dr. Wynn's guidance, Vidant was successful in focusing the entire system on an overarching goal of zero harm and exceptional experiences for every patient, every time. As a result of these efforts, Vidant was awarded the 2013 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award. From 2008 to 2017, the health system had a 60% reduction in serious safety events, and its eight hospitals saw a 66% reduction in hospital-acquired infections.

    Dr. Wynn also helped implement and led Vidant's patient-family advisor program, which continues to be a national model for engaging patients and families in meaningful partnerships to improve safety, quality and operations.

    "Providing quality care and keeping patients safe is paramount. Joan has built an award-winning, patient-focused culture at Vidant Health where safety is a core value," said NCHA President Steve Lawler. "Her improvement success serves as a national model, and NCHA is proud to recognize her leadership."

    Dr. Wynn has been with Vidant since 1990. She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Maryland, a master's degree in nursing from Johns Hopkins University, and a PhD in nursing from East Carolina University. Certified as a professional in health care quality (CPHQ), Dr. Wynn is recognized nationally for her passionate advocacy for quality and safety in health care.

    "Joan's work has helped further Vidant in our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina," said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO, Vidant. "I can say with absolute certainty that there is no one more deserving of this award. We are grateful to have strong leaders like Joan helping bring high quality care to our communities."

    Note: Watch NCHA's video about NCHA's 2019 Clinical Leadership Award winner Dr. Joan D. Wynn here: https://youtu.be/IC_0HlE8TMc

• Contact: Erica Mizelle
•     erica.mizelle@vidanthealth.com