Tammy Derk named vice president of Penn State Health Children’s

Tammy Derk has been appointed as the new administrative vice president of Penn State Health Children’s Services, commencing her role on October 6, 2023. Her extensive background, spanning over three decades in pediatric health care, positions her as a vital asset to the Penn State Health organization, particularly in enhancing the quality of care for children and families.

### Background and Experience

Before joining Penn State Health, Derk served as the executive director of Women’s and Pediatric Services at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. In this capacity, she demonstrated her expertise in various crucial areas, including strategic growth, program development, and quality improvement. This experience will be integral as she transitions into her new role, where she will collaborate with physician leader Dr. Sarah Iriana, who holds multiple interim positions including vice president of Penn State Health Children’s and pediatrician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Derk’s leadership philosophy centers around a commitment to clinical excellence and ensuring that care delivery meets the highest standards. Dr. Iriana has noted that Derk’s strategic insights are invaluable as the institution seeks to expand its pediatric services smoothly and efficiently.

### Strategic Goals and Vision

Upon her appointment, Derk expressed her enthusiasm for joining the Penn State Health Children’s team. She articulated a clear vision for her role, emphasizing her intent to support the healthcare teams in delivering exceptional care aimed at helping every child thrive. This focus on child-centered care is crucial in an era where health systems are increasingly recognizing the importance of holistic, family-oriented approaches to pediatric health.

### Challenges and Opportunities

While Derk brings a wealth of experience, she will face several challenges as she steps into her new position. The pediatric healthcare landscape is dynamic, characterized by advances in technology, evolving regulations, and increasing patient expectations. Moreover, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact healthcare systems, necessitating innovative solutions in care delivery and patient engagement.

Derk’s background in acute, outpatient, and rehabilitation services provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the spectrum of pediatric care. This breadth of experience will empower her to address systemic challenges, leverage innovation, and implement strategic initiatives that enhance patient outcomes.

### Commitment to Quality Improvement

Quality improvement is one of the primary areas of focus for Derk. Her experience includes ensuring regulatory compliance and financial performance, which are critical to maintaining high standards of care. By emphasizing quality improvement initiatives, she can spearhead efforts that not only enhance patient safety but also improve the overall patient experience.

Her active engagement in access and patient services can lead to improved care delivery, making it easier for families to navigate the pediatric healthcare system. In her past roles, Derk has demonstrated success in program development that prioritized patient needs, an approach she is likely to continue at Penn State Health.

### Importance of Collaboration

A key aspect of Derk’s new role will be facilitating collaboration among various departments within Penn State Health Children’s. Her partnership with Dr. Iriana exemplifies the importance of a well-rounded approach to pediatric care that blends clinical and administrative insights. Such collaboration will ensure that the pediatric services offered are not only innovative but also grounded in empirical evidence that reflects best practices in child health.

### Educational Background

Tammy Derk’s academic credentials further substantiate her qualification for this leadership role. She holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s University, where she graduated summa cum laude, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and community relations from Shippensburg University. These educational experiences provide her with a solid foundation in both healthcare systems and the psychosocial components of patient relations, further enhancing her capacity to lead.

### Future Directions

As Tammy Derk settles into her role as vice president, the future of pediatric services at Penn State Health is optimistic. With a focus on innovation, growth, and patient-centered care, she is poised to make significant contributions to the health system. Her leadership will be pivotal in implementing programs that not only advance clinical excellence but also prioritize the needs of families navigating pediatric healthcare.

In summary, Tammy Derk’s appointment is a promising development for Penn State Health Children’s Services. Her extensive experience and commitment to ensuring that children’s healthcare is at the forefront of the organization sets a hopeful tone for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of children and their families. As she embarks on this new journey, stakeholders can look forward to continued improvements in pediatric care that align with current healthcare trends and community needs.

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