Valerie Larkin: A Transformative Leader in Healthcare

Valerie Larkin, an extraordinary healthcare executive, has dedicated her career to revolutionizing healthcare delivery and improving the lives of countless patients. As the President and CEO of Denver Health, one of the nation’s largest safety-net health systems, Larkin has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that have transformed the organization into a model of innovation and patient-centered care.

Valerie Larkin was born and raised in New York City and developed a passion for healthcare at a young age. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hunter College and went on to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado, Denver.

Larkin began her healthcare career as a bedside nurse, providing direct care to patients. Her compassion and dedication were evident from the start, and she quickly rose through the ranks. She held various leadership positions within the healthcare industry before joining Denver Health in 2010 as the Chief Operating Officer. In 2012, she was appointed as President and CEO.

Under Larkin’s leadership, Denver Health has undergone a remarkable transformation. She has focused on improving patient outcomes, enhancing access to care, and promoting health equity. Some of her key initiatives include:

• Expansion of Primary Care: Larkin oversaw the opening of 25 new primary care clinics, increasing access to preventive care and early detection of health conditions.
• Integration of Behavioral Health: Recognizing the importance of mental health, Larkin integrated behavioral health services into primary care, offering patients holistic and comprehensive care.
• Implementation of Value-Based Purchasing: Larkin shifted the focus from volume-based care to value-based purchasing, incentivizing providers to deliver high-quality and cost-effective care.
• Focus on Health Equity: Larkin prioritized addressing health disparities and implemented programs to improve access to care for underserved populations.

Larkin’s exceptional leadership has earned her national recognition and numerous awards, including:

• Modern Healthcare 100 Innovators
• Becker’s Healthcare 50 Thought Leaders
• HealthLeaders 25 Women to Watch
• Colorado Women’s Forum Woman of Distinction

Beyond her work at Denver Health, Larkin is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in healthcare. She regularly shares her insights on industry trends, innovation, and health equity at national conferences and through publications. Larkin is also an active mentor to aspiring healthcare professionals, supporting their personal and career development.

At the heart of Larkin’s leadership is a deep commitment to patient-centered care. She believes that patients should be empowered to participate in their own healthcare decisions and that providers should treat patients with dignity and respect. This philosophy has been instrumental in Denver Health’s transformation into a patient-centered organization.

Larkin is a strong advocate for data-driven decision-making in healthcare. She uses data to identify areas for improvement, track progress, and make informed decisions. This approach has enabled Denver Health to continuously improve its performance and deliver better outcomes for patients.

Collaboration is central to Larkin’s leadership style. She recognizes the importance of partnering with other healthcare organizations, community groups, and policymakers to improve population health. Denver Health has developed strong partnerships with organizations such as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Denver Public Schools.

Through her innovative initiatives and leadership, Larkin has significantly improved the health of the Denver community. Under her guidance, Denver Health has:

• Reduced preventable hospitalizations: Larkin implemented programs to proactively identify and manage patients at risk for hospitalization, leading to a 20% decline in preventable hospitalizations.
• Improved patient satisfaction: Larkin’s focus on patient-centered care has resulted in increased patient satisfaction scores, with 90% of patients reporting satisfaction with their care.
• Promoted health equity: Larkin’s commitment to health equity has reduced health disparities and improved access to care for underserved populations.

Valerie Larkin is an exceptional healthcare leader who has transformed healthcare delivery at Denver Health and beyond. Her passion for patient-centered care, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration has resulted in improved patient outcomes, enhanced access to care, and promoted health equity. As a thought leader and mentor, Larkin continues to inspire and support the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the healthcare industry and the communities it serves.

• Denver Health Website: https://www.denverhealth.org
• Valerie Larkin LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-larkin-a5360711/
• Modern Healthcare Profile: https://www.modernhealthcare.com/people/valerie-larkin

Table 1: Growth in Primary Care Access under Valerie Larkin’s Leadership

Table 2: Impact of Value-Based Purchasing on Patient Outcomes

Table 3: Health Disparities Reduction under Larkin’s Leadership

Table 4: Partnerships Forged by Valerie Larkin