11.18.24
Shields Recognized For Distinguished Service To Hospitals
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Dave Dillon
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Charlie Shields, President and CEO of University Health in Kansas City, Mo., has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Award. The award, established in 1975, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to hospitals, health systems, communities, health care and MHA. Shields was presented the award on Nov. 14 at MHA’s 102nd Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.
“Charlie’s deep understanding of the complexities of health care policy, combined with his passion for community health, has helped improve health outcomes for countless Missourians,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “His insights and consensus building have significantly influenced health care throughout the state.”
Shields’ service to hospitals and health care systems has spanned more than 25 years and been coupled with decades of public service.
As a leader in the Missouri General Assembly, Shields’ influence on health policy was significant. He was deeply involved in the evolution of Medicaid into MO HealthNet and instrumental in developing and adopting the state’s Time Critical Diagnosis system for trauma, stroke and STEMI heart attack care to expand access to lifesaving care in medical emergencies.
As the leader of a safety-net hospital, Shields understands health happens in communities that hospitals serve. In addition to supporting community-based health improvement programs in Kansas City, Mo., his influence has been felt statewide through his service as a lawmaker and on the Missouri State Board of Education, where he championed the connections between policy and lifelong health improvement for Missourians.
Tracey Lewis, University Health Board Chairman, said, “I wish I could say I was surprised about Charlie receiving this recognition, but truly, I’m not sure who could deserve it more. Charlie has always made it crystal clear to the community and University Health staff that the UH mission, both the academic focus and commitment to serving those with the best insurance, and those with no insurance at all will never change. The energy he puts behind ensuring that mission continues for UH and other safety net hospitals around the nation is awe inspiring.”
Shields is a founding board member of the UMKC Health Sciences District, a collaborative health care hub located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., focused on health innovation. He also worked to strengthen the hospital community nationally as the 2023-2024 board chair of America’s Essential Hospitals.
A video honoring Shields is available here.
Photo caption: Charlie Shields, President and CEO of University Health in Kansas City, Mo. (left), is presented the MHA Distinguished Service Award by Alan W. Greimann, MHA Board Chair, President/CEO of Royal Oaks Hospital and Executive Vice President of Compass Health Network in Windsor, Mo., (right).
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The Missouri Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association in Jefferson City that represents 137 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.