Thomas Shockley, Jr., MD, was named Cincinnati-based TriHealth's inaugural chief health equity officer, the Cincinnati Business Courier reported April 27.
Dr. Shockley is an orthopedic surgeon, and in his new role he will help launch and develop a Center for Health Equity at TriHealth. His role will also focus on eliminating health disparities and improve outcomes.
"To me, health equity means everyone has a just and fair opportunity to be as healthy as they can be," Dr. Shockley said in the report. "This passion started when I was in high school, but it's continued to gain fuel — even within our own community and the fact you can predict your life expectancy based on your ZIP code. You can go from Price Hill 4 miles away to Mount Adams, and there’s a 26-year gap. Here at TriHealth, we’re going to turn aspiration into action."
Dr. Shockley joined TriHealth when the health system acquired TriState Orthopaedic Treatment Center. He will continue to serve as associate chief medical officer of TriHealth's Bethesda North region.