Introducing Elaine
She began her professional life as a hospital-based medical technologist performing immunopathology research, and advanced into strategic planning and development for three major health systems. Most recently, Elaine Bauer was vice president of strategic initiatives for the Catholic Health Association of the United States, and worked in Washington, D.C., during the healthcare legislation creation process. In becoming CHOC first chief strategy officer, her career has come full circle.
“I wanted to work once again with healthcare delivery at the provider level and join an organization I could help move from ‘good’ to ‘great,’” Bauer said. “My goal is to help ensure CHOC’s future in light of reimbursement and healthcare delivery changes, and the next phase of the pending legislation that is likely to happen.”
Bauer also led strategic planning for Catholic Health East, in Pennsylvania; Sutter Health, in Sacramento; and Sisters of Mercy Health System, in St. Louis. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and has master’s degrees in finance and healthcare management from Webster University, in St. Louis. Her professional activities include teaching and research. She has been an adjunct professor at Immaculata University, near Philadelphia; Golden Gate University, Sacramento; and served as preceptor for administrative fellows and residents from the University of Minnesota, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Southern California.
“Strategic planning has to be a partnership between the physicians and the administrative suite. Physician input is very important—we walk this road together.”
“With the new building project and the recent affiliation with the University of California, Irvine, CHOC is poised to becoming great,” Bauer said. “I am thrilled to be a member of the team that pushes through that last mile.”
