A National Leader in Pediatric Healthcare

Dr. Longhurst brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished reputation as a national leader in healthcare to his new role. A practicing pediatrician and a native of the West Coast, he most recently served as the chief clinical and innovation officer at UC San Diego Health. Prior to that, he dedicated 15 years to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

“Seattle Children’s has an extraordinary legacy of care, research and advocacy for kids and families, and it will be a true honor to serve and lead this world-class team to advance Children’s mission,” Dr. Longhurst stated. “As a pediatrician, I understand the important role children’s hospitals play in our future health and look forward to learning from our teams and leveraging my own skills and experiences to build upon the 118-year legacy of helping every child live the healthiest life possible.”

Pioneering Innovation at UC San Diego Health

During his tenure at UC San Diego Health, Dr. Longhurst founded and directed the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Center for Health Innovation. This center secured significant philanthropic support to establish a cutting-edge “mission control” center, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance patient access and improve safety protocols. AI in healthcare is rapidly transforming the industry, and Dr. Longhurst’s work places Seattle Children’s at the forefront of this evolution.

Academic and Research Contributions

Dr. Longhurst’s commitment extends beyond clinical leadership. At UC San Diego School of Medicine, he served as associate dean, overseeing education and research within the clinical setting. He is also a faculty member in both Biomedical Informatics and Pediatrics. His research, published in prestigious journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and Pediatrics, focuses on improving care quality, patient safety, and the application of health informatics.

Building a Foundation at Stanford Children’s Health

Before joining UC San Diego Health, Dr. Longhurst held key positions at Stanford Children’s Health. As a pediatric hospitalist and chief medical information officer, he spearheaded strategic initiatives to enhance pediatric care through technology. Notably, he founded the nation’s first accredited clinical informatics fellowship program, fostering the next generation of leaders in this critical field. What role will data science play in the future of pediatric medicine? And how can hospitals best prepare for the integration of these technologies?

Dr. Longhurst’s career demonstrates a consistent dedication to leveraging technology and innovation to improve the lives of children and families. His leadership promises to build upon Seattle Children’s already impressive legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Longhurst’s Appointment

1. What is Dr. Christopher Longhurst’s primary focus as CEO of Seattle Children’s? Dr. Longhurst’s primary focus is to advance Seattle Children’s mission of providing exceptional care, conducting groundbreaking research, and advocating for the health and well-being of children and families.
2. What experience does Dr. Longhurst bring to Seattle Children’s Hospital? Dr. Longhurst brings over two decades of experience in pediatric healthcare leadership, including roles at UC San Diego Health and Stanford Children’s Health, with a strong emphasis on innovation and technology.
3. How will Dr. Longhurst’s work with AI impact patient care at Seattle Children’s? Dr. Longhurst’s experience establishing an AI-powered “mission control” center at UC San Diego Health suggests he will prioritize leveraging AI to improve patient access, safety, and overall quality of care.
4. What is the significance of Dr. Longhurst’s research publications? His publications in leading medical journals demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and a dedication to advancing the field of pediatric healthcare.
5. What was Dr. Longhurst’s role at Stanford Children’s Health? He served as a pediatric hospitalist and chief medical information officer, founding the nation’s first accredited clinical informatics fellowship.
6. How long was the search for a new CEO at Seattle Children’s Hospital? The Seattle Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees conducted a year-long national search before selecting Dr. Longhurst.
7. What is the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Center for Health Innovation? It is a center founded by Dr. Longhurst at UC San Diego Health focused on utilizing technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to improve healthcare delivery.