Health Care Service Corporation Senior Vice President, Markets and Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Monica Berner has again been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2024.
The annual list (paywall) honors licensed clinicians in executive roles who are paving the way to better health inside and outside of their organizations. Industry peers and Modern Healthcare’s senior editors select who’s on the list based on factors including executive responsibility, innovation, community service and achievements.
This year, Modern Healthcare recognized Berner’s work improving clinical outcomes for members across HCSC communities, including spearheading the expansion of the company’s maternal and infant health initiative to Illinois. The effort helps women and families through pregnancy planning, childbirth and beyond, supporting the local maternal health workforce and community-based organizations in maternity care deserts.
Under Berner’s leadership, HCSC first launched the expanded maternal and infant health initiative last year in Texas to improve health outcomes across the state. HCSC next plans to launch the initiative in New Mexico later in 2024.
This is Berner’s third time on Modern Healthcare’s list of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives.
“Dr. Berner works tirelessly to ensure that our members and customers have access to the latest tools and interventions they need to improve health outcomes,” says Dr. Opella Ernest, President of HCSC Markets. “She is an extraordinary example of commitment to HCSC’s purpose, and I am proud to celebrate this honor with her and our company for the third time.”
During Berner’s tenure she has worked to reduce barriers and improve health care access and equity across HCSC communities.
In 2023, HCSC’s mobile health program provided 194,000 immunizations and preventive health services to underserved communities. The program is part of HCSC’s mission to improve clinical outcomes for members in six focus areas: cardiovascular care, cancer screening, diabetes, behavioral health, childhood immunizations, and maternal infant health.
"Our 2024 honorees work in all corners of the industry and at organizations and companies of all sizes," says Mary Ellen Podmolik, Modern Healthcare’s editor-in-chief. "Yet one thing they share is a commitment to improving their organizations inside and out. They are leading workforce strategies, expanding access to care and improving the bottom line. At the same time, our 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives also are finding time to be part of their communities, a critical part of understanding the patient’s needs and redefining health care."