July 15, 2021
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has selected Dr. Cheryl Lee to serve as its first chief health equity officer and lead the newly formed Office of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.In this role, Dr. Lee will engage and collaborate with faculty, staff and learners across the medical center, The Ohio State University’s seven health science colleges and the broader university — as well as community organizations, nonprofit organizations, government and other external stakeholders — to reduce or eliminate disparities in health and the social determinants that adversely impact marginalized groups, with the goal of fostering more equitable care and health outcomes.
“Our strength as an organization is rooted in our commitment to living our shared values and embracing the diversity of our faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Hal Paz, executive vice president and chancellor for Health Affairs at Ohio State and chief executive officer of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. “Under Dr. Lee’s leadership, this new office will further support the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s position as a national leader and serve as the preeminent model in advancing health equity through leadership, education, new and enhanced clinical programs, research, community engagement and policy implementation.”
Dr. Lee, who is chair of the Department of Urology, will serve as chief health equity officer on an interim basis and will also have responsibility for and serve as interim director for the Center for Health Equity as part of the university’s RAISE initiative.
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Media Contact: Serena Smith, Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, Serena.Smith@osumc.edu, 614-293-3737