The MetroHealth System Names Susan Fuehrer, VA Chief Executive, as President of Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity

(Cleveland) – The MetroHealth System has appointed Susan Fuehrer, director and chief executive officer of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, as President, Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity, effective July 1, 2019.

In this role, Fuehrer will lead MetroHealth’s initiatives to identify and address the root causes of our community’s health issues and work to eliminate the barriers to care. She will engage community partners to connect individuals with the best resources, solutions and opportunities, with a goal of keeping people healthy and ending health disparities. Roughly 80 percent of a person’s health is determined by social, environmental and other factors beyond medical care.

“Good health is about much more than good health care. It’s about things like healthy food, educational opportunities, job training, stable housing, safe neighborhoods and a clean environment,” said Nabil Chehade, MD, senior vice president and chief population health officer. “Susan’s prior experience leading one of the country’s largest VA health systems and advocating for patients and the community aligns perfectly with our mission.”

Fuehrer spent most of her career at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. She served as a leader and visionary for the health care system, ensuring alignment with VA strategic initiatives. She recently announced her plans to retire from the health system after 34 years.

Fuehrer completed her Master of Business Administration at Case Western Reserve University and is a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She serves on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Red Cross, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, the Center for Health Affairs and the Federal Executive Board.

Fuehrer lives in Westlake with her husband, John.