Virginia Health Care Conference recognizes innovation

14 June 2012

On June 7, more than 750 participants attended the second annual Virginia Health Care Conference and Virginia Healthcare Innovators Awards that were held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce held the event, which was also sponsored by the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV), the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and the Virginia Business Coalition on Health.

During the event, Rufus Phillips, MSV executive vice president, moderated a panel regarding aligned incentives and Russell Libby, M.D., FAAP, MSV president-elect, spoke on Virginia health care innovations and best practices to deliver quality, cost-effective health care and improve workforce wellness in the commonwealth.

The 2012 Virginia Healthcare Innovators Awards were held during the conference to honor Virginia providers and organizations that have developed innovative ways to improve quality and/or efficiency. The following organizations were rewarded for developing breakthrough products, processes or services with the potential to revolutionize health care in Virginia.

Employee health: Genworth Financial
Health information technology: MedVirginia
Medical product or device: Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC
Patient care: 1 to 250 employees: Richmond Ambulatory Authority
Patient care: More than 250 employees: Augusta Health

During the conference, attendees learned about the launch of the new Virginia Center for Health Innovation, which was created to improve Virginians’ health and wellness and ensure economic competitiveness. The Center brings together all the key stakeholders involved in health outcomes and health cost containment to advance the vision of Virginia as a national leader in individual health, community health, health care and economic growth. MSV provided key funding support for the Center along with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association, Virginia Association of Health Plans, Virginia Health Care Foundation, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and Virginians Improving Patient Care and Safety.

Be on the lookout for more information regarding the Virginia Health Care Conference and Innovator Awards in the July edition of Virginia Medical News.