eNewsletter - February 2024
System Physician Executive Announcement
We are pleased to announce the launch of System Physician Executive role for the Behavioral Health service lines.
System Physician Executive Role
System Physician Executives (SPE) are responsible for maximizing the impact of institutes or service lines. The SPE will –
- Ensure consistency in practice to improve clinical outcomes
- Advance patient, provider and team member experiences
- Achieve growth objectives
- Ensure achievement of financial performance targets
Behavioral Health Service Line
Walter Whang, MD, will serve as the SPE for the Endeavor Health Behavioral Health Service line, working in partnership with Gina Sharp, President of Linden Oaks and SE for Behavioral Health.
Dr. Whang has had a distinguished career in Psychiatry as a clinician, educator, and physician leader. He graduated from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and completed his residency in general psychiatry at Loyola University Medical Center. With over 35 years of devoted practice in psychiatry, Dr. Whang is a respected figure renowned for his expertise and compassionate care.
As the EEH System Chief Medical Director of Psychiatry, Dr. Whang has provided leadership in the quality of care for Linden Oaks’ inpatient setting; he has also been a visionary in the expansion of outpatient services to over seven locations and an avid supporter of behavioral health integration at over 15 primary care physician locations. Dr. Whang remains deeply engaged in education, staying at the forefront of psychiatric advancements. He has held adjunct professor roles with Loyola University, Midwestern University and most recently with North Central College. During his tenure, he developed an Advanced Practice Provider fellowship program which has significantly improved access and coordination of care.
Dr. Whang will work closely with administrative and physician leadership from across the System to standardize psychiatric and behavioral health clinical and administrative practices while advancing planning efforts related to the regionalization of inpatient care and expansion of outpatient services. Dr. Whang's commitment to patient well-being is evident in his holistic approach to psychiatry. He fosters a supportive environment for individuals under his care, emphasizing empathy and understanding in his practice. His dedication extends to advocating for mental health awareness, striving to destigmatize mental health issues in the community.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Whang on his expanded role. We are confident his leadership will support the advancement of the Behavioral Health Service Line as well as the evolution of future SPE roles.
By: J.P. Gallager, President and Chief Executive Officer
Today is a big day in the evolution of our newly combined health system. It’s official: NorthShore University HealthSystem, Edward-Elmhurst Health, Swedish Hospital and Northwest Community Healthcare are now unified under one name and brand – Endeavor Health.
I am proud to unveil a new name that embodies our mission to help everyone in our communities be their best and our commitment – our Endeavor – to set a new standard for healthcare by delivering a truly personal patient experience combined with seamless access to pioneering, world-class care. As one team, our Endeavor starts with helping you thrive in a workplace where you want to grow your career and advancing a culture where all feel heard, valued and that they belong.
Endeavor Health is the result of in-depth research – listening to your voices to build a new brand that unites us and is propelled by the power of our connections and the promise of what we can achieve together as the community-connected healthcare leader across Chicagoland. We are Illinois’ third-largest health system and third-largest medical group deeply rooted in the communities our patients, partners and team members call home. To maintain our community connection, all of our hospitals and foundations are retaining their names under the Endeavor Health brand.
Our patients will continue to receive the expert care and high-quality services they do today, delivered by the providers they know and trust, while benefiting from broader access to specialties and sub-specialties, conveniently connected across our more than 300 clinic locations, five clinical institutes and nine award-winning hospitals. We are excited to now also be united as a single medical group which will appear under the Endeavor Health name along with our clinical/ambulatory and corporate locations.
While the transition of our new name will take several years, it begins today with a new name and logo visible for the first time across many communications channels, including our new website – endeavorhealth.org. Patients, partners and community members will also begin receiving updates and information from Endeavor Health, as well as opportunities to learn more about the expert care, convenient services and many health and wellness resources available to them. In the months ahead, you’ll see continued energy and momentum with new signage and a new advertising campaign in the first quarter of 2024.
I hope you will join us at the town halls and holiday events taking place in the coming weeks and enjoy the opportunity to engage with your team members around our new shared brand. It’s a great time to celebrate, connect with colleagues and strengthen relationships. Click here for a schedule of events.
Today, we move ahead as one Endeavor Health team with a shared mission, vision and values and a clear Endeavor, reflected in our name and brand. We could not do it without the talent, passion and commitment of each and every one of you. Together, we are doing something special and transformative, and I couldn’t be more excited and optimistic about our future.