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Chris DeRienzo, MD, Neonat/Perinatology, Chicago, IL

ChrisDeRienzoMDMPP, FAAP

Neonat/Perinatology • Chicago, IL

Chief Physician Executive @ AHA

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  • Office

    155 N. Wacker Dr.
    Chicago, IL 60606
    Phone+1 312-422-3000

Summary

  • Dr. Chris DeRienzo is a nationally recognized physician leader, health advocate, and fitness enthusiast committed to transforming healthcare and inspiring wellness at every level—from individuals to entire communities. As the author of Tiny Medicine: One Doctor’s Biggest Lessons from His Smallest Patients and a devoted husband and father, Dr. DeRienzo strives to live a balanced life dedicated to advancing health and well-being.

    In his role as Chief Physician Executive of the American Hospital Association (AHA) and President of the AHA’s 501(c)3 affiliate Health Research & Educational Trust, Dr. DeRienzo leads national initiatives to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen hospitals, and promote innovation across the nation’s health systems. A passionate advocate for health improvement, he is a frequent spokesperson on critical clinical issues impacting communities nationwide.

    Throughout his career, Dr. DeRienzo has focused on improving healthcare quality and innovation. At WakeMed Health and Hospitals, he helped guide the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to its consistent recognition for safety and quality with A/A/A Leapfrog designations. At Mission Health, his innovative use of data analytics earned the system recognition as an IBM Watson Top 15 Health System in 2017 and 2018. As Chief Medical Officer of Cardinal Analytx, he played a pivotal role in scaling AI-powered solutions to improve patient outcomes and operational performance.

    Dr. DeRienzo holds dual board certifications in pediatrics and neonatology and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics. In addition to his work at the AHA, he contributes to healthcare innovation as a Board Member for Mednition, where he leverages AI to improve clinical decision-making, and as an Advisor to Concord Health Partners.

Education & Training

  • Duke University Hospital
    Duke University HospitalFellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2011 - 2014
  • Duke University Hospital
    Duke University HospitalResidency, Pediatrics, 2009 - 2011
  • Duke University Hospital
    Duke University HospitalInternship, Pediatrics, 2008 - 2009
  • Terry Sanford School of Public Policy
    Terry Sanford School of Public PolicyMPP, Health Policy, 2005 - 2008
  • Duke University School of Medicine
    Duke University School of MedicineClass of 2008
  • NICHD COSTEP Program
    NICHD COSTEP ProgramExternship, 2006
  • Brandeis University
    Brandeis UniversityBS, Biology, Magna Cum Laude, 2003

Certifications & Licensure

  • NC State Medical License
    NC State Medical License 2008 - 2025
  • American Board of Pediatrics Pediatrics
  • American Board of Pediatrics Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • Finalist, David C. Leach Award ACGME, 2012
  • Senior Scholarship Award Recipient 2008
  • Appleseed Teaching Award Duke University School of Medicine, 2008, 2011
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Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Journal Articles

  • The Duke GME Patient Safety and Quality Council.  
    DeRienzo CM, Am J Med Qual. 2012;27(suppl 2):1 30S-31S

Books/Book Chapters

  • Oxford American Handbook on Sports Medicine. 
    Chapter: The Female Athlete 
    Page 519 - 541DeRienzo CM, Squire DEditors: Bytomski J, Moorman C.OUP, New York

Abstracts/Posters

  • Neonatal Handoffs.
    DeRienzo, C, Horvath M, Lenfestey R, Ferranti J, AAP National Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans, LA
  • Pediatric Handoffs at Duke – Housestaff Leading the Change.
    DeRienzo, C et al, .” DUHS 7th Annual Patient Safety and Quality Conference, Durham, NC
  • The Duke GME Safety, Quality, and Handoffs Initiative.
    Boggan J, Westreich K, Sadun R, DeRienzo C, DUHS 7th Annual Patient Safety and Quality Conference, Durham, NC
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Lectures

  • The Duke GME Safety, Quality, and Handoffs Initiative: Empowering Housestaff to Lead the Change. 
    UHC Annual Confernece. Chicago, IL
  • National Trends in Pediatric Ambulatory Care Sensitive Hospitalizations. 
    AMA MSS/RFS Annual Poster Session. Chicago, IL
  • Safer Handoffs – Part 3. 
    North Carolina Quality Center / California Hospital Patient Safety Organization Joint Webinar Series
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Authored Content

  • It’s Time to Believe in Each Other Again12/26/2017

Press Mentions

  • Two Health Conditions for Which You May Not Get Hospital Treatment Due to a Hurricane-Related IV Shortage
    Two Health Conditions for Which You May Not Get Hospital Treatment Due to a Hurricane-Related IV ShortageNovember 1st, 2024
  • Shortage of IV Fluids Leads to Canceled Surgeries
    Shortage of IV Fluids Leads to Canceled SurgeriesOctober 30th, 2024
  • Some ER Patients Are Half as Likely to Receive IV Fluids Since Disruptions from Hurricane Helene
    Some ER Patients Are Half as Likely to Receive IV Fluids Since Disruptions from Hurricane HeleneOctober 29th, 2024
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Grant Support

  • Feedings, Tranfusions and Necrotizing EnterocolitisThrasher Research Fund - Early Career Award2011–2013

Committees

  • President, Durham Orange County Medical Society 2013 - Present
  • District IV Representative, AAP Section on Perinatal Pediatrics - TECaN Executive Committee 2011 - Present
  • Director, Durham Orange County Medical Society - Board of Directors 2009 - Present
  • Chair, North Carolina Medical Society - Residents and Fellows Section 2009 - 2011
  • Trustee, American Medical Association Board of Trustees 2006 - 2008
  • Delegate, American Medical Association - Student Governing Council 2004 - 2005

Professional Memberships

Dr. Chris DeRienzo, Dr. Chris DeRienzo, MD, Dr. C DeRienzo