Gary S. Kaplan, MD

Gary S. Kaplan, MD, FACP, FACMPE, FACPE, has served as chairman and CEO of the Virginia Mason Health System in Seattle since 2000. He is also a practicing internal medicine physician at Virginia Mason. Dr. Kaplan received a degree in medicine from the University of Michigan and is board certified in internal medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at Virginia Mason and served as chief resident in 1980 and 1981. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE) and the American College of Physician Executives (FACPE). He is recognized as one of the most influential physician executives in health care. Dr. Kaplan is chair of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Board of Directors and chairman of the National Patient Safety Foundation Lucian Leape Institute. He is a founding member of Health CEOs for Health Reform and has held leadership positions with numerous organizations, including the Medical Group Management Association and the Washington Healthcare Forum. In 2017, Dr. Kaplan received the National Healthcare Award from B'nai B'rith International. Modern Healthcare magazine ranked Dr. Kaplan No. 11 on its 2016 list of the 50 Most Influential Physician Executives in the U.S. He has been on this prestigious annual list 11 times.