Community Service
DR. PATRICIA A. GABOW
Dr. Patty Gabow is nationally recognized for her work to increase access to basic health care for all Coloradans. As CEO of Denver Health and Hospital Authority, she oversees the health care system that serves as the principal safety net for uninsured and vulnerable populations in Denver and Colorado. As both physician and administrator, Dr. Gabow has worked throughout her career to ensure that the most vulnerable and underserved populations, particularly women and children, have access to quality medical care.
During the early 1990’s, she led the effort to convert the hospital from part of the city to an independent governmental authority. She then helped transform the organization into a successful and profitable system that has become a model for the nation. Under her direction, Denver Health has received numerous awards, including the 2009 Colorado Performance Excellence Award for organizational efficiency.
Dr. Gabow joined the staff of Denver Health in 1973 as chief of the Renal Division. During her tenure in that role, she became internationally known for her scientific work on polycystic kidney disease. She continues to conduct research related to health services for the underserved.
Patty was elected to the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame for her commitment to Colorado’s healthcare safety net. She was recognized for her generosity in mentoring others, her innovation in going outside healthcare in search of new management ideas, and her commitment to best practices.
Dr. Gabow is the recipient of numerous awards including the American Medical Association’s Nathan Davis Award, the Florence Rena Sabin Award, and the 2008 National Healthcare Leadership Award. She has been named as one of the top 25 women in health care, one of the top 50 physician executives, and one of the 100 most powerful people in American health care.
Dr. Gabow received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and trained in Internal Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Harbor General Hospital in Torrance, California. Currently a professor in the division of Renal Disease at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, she is the author of over 150 articles and book chapters.
She is married to Harold N. Gabow and the mother of two children.