Dr. Wendy Horton - Chief Executive Officer at UVA Health

A new episode with Dr. Wendy Horton, the Chief Executive Officer at UVA Health University Medical Center. Dr. Horton was a pleasure to speak with, it was fun interview with lots of great details about her background and career along with insights, perspectives, and advice for the future.

Dr. Horton is an experienced executive having worked in several nationally recognized academic medical centers. She is a passionate advocate for healthcare quality and care redesign, Dr. Horton leverages optimized care processes and new technology to ensure patient-focused healthcare resources are directed where they are most needed, resulting in a sustainable healthcare system.

With over a decade of academic medical center experience and deep clinical and operational expertise, Dr. Horton is adept at meeting emerging challenges at UVA Health and positioning the Medical Center for sustained success. Previously serving as Chief Operating Officer at UVA Medical Center, she successfully optimized clinical operations and spearheaded innovation to address urgent and critical challenges.

Recognized for her strategic acumen, Dr. Horton formulated a transformative roadmap and strategic plan upon assuming the leadership role in 2020. Her initiative led to a notable $60 million increase in yearly net operating revenue at the medical center. Wendy also prioritizes a strong workforce agenda, particularly focusing on employee compensation and retention. During the COVID-19 staffing crisis that affected healthcare organizations across the nation, she led UVA Health Medical Center in maintaining services for all patients and facilitating growth and expansion for the Health System.

Prior to joining UVA Health, Wendy served as the chief administrative officer of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and as the vice president of operations at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

Dr. Horton holds an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Utah, and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from Oregon State University. Wendy is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) newer fellows. In 2023, she was honored as a Top Women Leader in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare publication. Wendy is also passionate about serving in the community and holds several volunteer leadership positions in central Virginia, including serving on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville.

It has been awhile since Eli and Annika have been together for a Girl Power Gurus interview, and they were lucky enough to be able to do this during their winter break while back home in Virginia. It was an fun and informative interview that we are sure you will enjoy!

Show Notes & Links Of Interest

  • Introduction [00:10]

  • Interview Begins [01:32]

  • Question: Could she introduce herself? [01:50]

  • Question: What was your childhood like and where did you grow up? [03:52]

  • Question: Were there other things you considered doing other than being a pharmacist? [05:33]

  • Question: What was her path from college to becoming a pharmacist to becoming a CEO? [06:23]

  • Question: What do each of your different titles represent? [10:14]

  • Question: Does she still actively work in pharmacy? [11:49]

  • Question: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome and what are some ways you did that? [13:20]

  • Question: Have you ever gotten burned out? How do you rejuvenate yourself? [14:45]

  • Question: What is her favorite vacation? [17:43]

  • Question: Has she ever experienced imposters syndrome and if so, how did she deal with it? [19:01]

  • Question: Who were her mentors over the course of her career? [21:49]

  • Question: Of all her accomplishments, is there one that she is most proud of? [25:39]

  • Question: What is UVA doing to make the hospital system a great place for women to work? [27:20]

  • Question: How is UVA working to improve healthcare access? [29:37]

  • Question: What volunteer work is she involved with in Virginia? [32:55]

  • Question: What are some of the best methods that you have found for fighting self-doubt and dealing with failure? [11:50]

  • Question: What advice would she give a young woman who is figuring out what she wants to do? [35:57]

  • Question: How does she feel about the phrase “Empowered women empower women”? [40:53]

  • Question: What one quality or trait does she feel that young women should embrace in pursuit of their dreams? [42:39]

  • Interview ends [45:55]

Hosts