Debra Sukin Debra Sukin, CEO Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital[/caption]

Debra Sukin earned a Ph.D. in health policy and health management from the University of Texas Health Science Center and her master’s degree in health administration from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Before joining Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, the Houston native served as senior vice president of CHI St. Luke’s Health System and CEO of CHI St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital for more than 10 years. She has lived in The Woodlands for 14 years with her husband and two sons.



What attracted you to Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital? 


The Woodlands is my home. My family has lived here for 14 years now, and we’ve watched this community grow exponentially. I worked for Houston Methodist in the Texas Medical Center in the late   ‘90s as vice president of operations. When I had the opportunity, my decision to return to Houston Methodist was an easy one. I am honored to work for a health system which is ranked No. 1 in Texas by U.S. News & World Report, and I have the chance to work for Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist, who is a visionary leader committed to leading medicine on behalf of our patient care, research and teaching mission.



What are some of the top accomplishments you had as CEO in 2015? 


I oversee the northern region hospitals for Houston Methodist, which includes Houston Methodist Willowbrook, Houston Methodist San Jacinto and Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. One of our top accomplishments was U.S. News & World Report’s recognition of Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital as one of “America’s Best Hospitals 2015.” The hospital ranked No. 4 in Houston, the highest outside of the Texas Medical Center, and No. 8 in Texas. Another accomplishment is the expansion of our Houston Methodist Primary Care Group and Specialty Care Group into the community. Our locations in Montgomery, Conroe, The Woodlands and Spring provide convenient access to preventive care for our patients who live and work here in Montgomery County.



What is unique to Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital that you had a role in enacting or participating in?


I’ve had the privilege of helping design a hospital and medical office building with the patient in mind. Our campus will welcome and engage patients in their health by creating a gathering place with a focus on preventive care and wellness. The patient experience was my primary focus as we worked through every aspect of architectural design for both buildings. We also committed to creating state-of-the-art facilities for our physicians and employees. Our hospital will have the latest in diagnostic imaging, operating room infrastructure and technology, along with medical staff and employee spaces focused on health and wellness.



What are some improvements you have witnessed in the hospital since you began?


The campus vision has been spot on since day one. Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is modeled after our west [Houston] campus. Both hospitals have a master plan for future growth. We have been so fortunate to have a learning laboratory at West and optimize the hospital based on the last four years. Our team of architects and clinical directors has worked hard to incorporate these changes into The Woodlands hospital as we are continuously striving for unparalleled safety, quality and innovation in all that we do.