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The following press release was submitted by Aspirus:
IRONWOOD, Mich. – Aspirus Ironwood’s Paula Chermside has been named among the nation’s “Top 70 Critical Access Hospital CEOs to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review.
Becker’s Hospital Review is a leading health care industry publication with an audience of 20,000 high-level hospital leaders. According to Becker’s, its list recognizes 70 CEOs for their dedication to advancing health care in their communities. Leaders were selected through an editorial process based on awards received; local, regional and national leadership positions held; and their organization’s recent performance.
Chermside is one of four executive leaders to receive this designation in Michigan and one of two from the Upper Peninsula. Under her leadership, Aspirus Ironwood was recognized among the nation’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The Top 100 Critical Access Hospital award is based upon the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX® from iVantage Health Analytics, which measures hospitals across eight pillars of hospital strength: Inpatient Share Ranking, Outpatient Share Ranking, Cost, Charge, Quality, Outcomes, Patient Perspective and Financial Stability. Additionally, Aspirus Ironwood was recognized as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for four consecutive years.
According to Becker’s, Chermside “aims to improve the collaboration between Aspirus hospitals in Ironwood, Ontonagon, Keweenaw and Iron River, Mich.”
Prior to becoming CEO, Chermside spent three years as chief operating officer of Aspirus Ironwood. During her tenure, she led the expansion and renovation of the emergency department, construction of an outpatient facility and the introduction of an electronic health records system.
Chermside said her personal values align with Aspirus’ mission to heal people, promote health and strengthen communities.
“We are all focused on being a catalyst for creating healthy, thriving communities, trusted and engaged by all others. This fulfills my vocation as a health care administrator,” Chermside said. “Aspirus has a team of dedicated employees, providers, volunteers, leaders and board members who are all committed to this same mission. I enjoy working with the Aspirus team to make a difference in the availability and access to health care services in the western part of the Upper Peninsula.”
Chermside has been with Aspirus since 2013. She is proud mother to a son who is currently studying at Washington University in St. Louis, Michigan, to become a physician.
