Dec. 8. Atrium Health CEO Eugene A. Woods has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. He is ranked seventh on the publication’s annual listing, up from 32nd a year ago.

The publication’s annual ranking recognizes those who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be among the most influential in the industry, in terms of leadership and impact. These can be individuals who are government administrators and executives, elected officials, academic and thought-leaders, as well as senior-level executives within the healthcare field.

Pandemic impact

This year has largely been defined by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Under Woods’ leadership, Atrium Health has established the Million Mask Initiative, a public-private partnership, as well as improving racial disparities in COVID testing, while improving access to care for at-risk populations.

He also testified before the US Senate Special Committee on Aging to share Atrium Health’s successes and viewpoints about protecting the vulnerable elderly population.

Med school campus

Modern Healthcare said Woods has also been able to lead Atrium Health through the financial challenges presented by the pandemic while finalizing Atrium Health’s strategic combination with Wake Forest Baptist Health, joining them together as a single enterprise.

The combination will also create a second Wake Forest School of Medicine campus, which will be located in Charlotte.