(Columbia, MD) – MedStar Health today announced the selection of M. Joy Drass, MD, executive vice president of Operations for the Washington, D.C., region of MedStar Health, among the Washington Business Journal’s 2013 Women Who Mean Business. The award honors the region's most influential business women—those who have made a difference in their communities, blazed a trail for other women and are leaving a mark on the Washington-area community.

“For her commitment to MedStar and our community, we are excited to celebrate this well deserved recognition for Dr. Drass,” says MedStar Health President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth A. Samet, FACHE. “Those fortunate to know and work with Dr. Drass appreciate everyday her invaluable contributions to the region. She is a world-class leader and role model for our associates and clinicians, and is always focused on doing what is right for our patients and community.”

In her current role, Dr. Drass provides strategic oversight and management for six of MedStar’s 10 hospitals, and carries system-wide responsibility for critical support functions, including Human Resources and Nursing. Dr. Drass’ recent efforts helped to advance MedStar’s reach across the Washington, D.C., region, with the addition of two hospitals to the system, including MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. Under her leadership, MedStar Heart Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center entered into a first-of-its-kind Clinical and Research Alliance with the world-renowned Heart and Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic. The alliance further strengthens MedStar Heart Institute's position as the Washington, D.C., region's premier destination for heart care.

In addition to her business success, Dr. Drass’ propensity for helping others extends to fellow women healthcare executives through mentoring. Within MedStar Health and the community, Dr. Drass serves as a positive role model by sharing her depth and breadth of expertise and experience, in addition to her time and efforts on various Boards of Directors and numerous other Washington, D.C.-based task forces and committees.

The 10th Annual Women Who Mean Business Awards event recognizing Dr. Drass and all honorees will be held on Nov. 14, 2013, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C. The honorees will also be featured in the Nov. 15, 2013, edition of the Washington Business Journal.

About MedStar Health

MedStar Health combines the best aspects of academic medicine, research and innovation with a complete spectrum of clinical services to advance patient care. As the largest healthcare provider in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, MedStar’s 10 hospitals, the MedStar Health Research Institute and a comprehensive scope of health-related organizations are recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in medical care. MedStar has one of the largest graduate medical education programs in the country, training more than 1,100 medical residents annually, and is the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University. MedStar Health is a $4.5 billion not-for-profit, regional healthcare system based in Columbia, Maryland, and one of the largest employers in the region. Our almost 30,000 associates and 6,000 affiliated physicians all support MedStar Health’s Patient First philosophy that combines care, compassion and clinical excellence with an emphasis on customer service. For more information, visit medstarhealth.org.

Ann C. Nickels (MedStar Health)
410-772-6661
[email protected]

Marianne Worley (MGUH)
703-558-1287
[email protected]

Patient Contact: 202-342-2400