Award is presented to one healthcare leader each year who exemplifies positive leadership and commitment to accessible healthcare

Philip Cormier, president of Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, has received the prestigious 2021William L. Lane Hospital Advocate Award from the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA). Each year, MHA acknowledges one senior hospital or health system executive for outstanding efforts on behalf of their organization, innovative and positive leadership, and extraordinary advocacy to further healthcare access and high-quality, safe care for all.

“Phil is a tireless advocate for the patients, staff, and entire community that Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals serve,” said Steve Walsh, president & CEO of MHA. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged every Massachusetts healthcare organization like never before, it hasn’t deterred Phil’s efforts to continually improve the care, services, and workplace experience for everyone who calls Beverly and Addison Gilbert their hospital.”

The William L. Lane Hospital Advocate Award was established to embody the spirit of William Lane, who led Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Mass., for many years. 

Cormier first joined Beverly Hospital in 1989 as the vice president of Administrative Services and assisted with the formation of Northeast Hospital Corporation (NHC), which includes Beverly, Addison Gilbert, and BayRidge hospitals, along with the Lahey Outpatient Center in Danvers. He remained with NHC until 2007, when he left to work for two other healthcare systems and came full circle when he returned in 2012 as Chief Operating Officer. He was named to his current post as president in 2015. Cormier is retiring this month.

His outstanding work, including investing in new services and programs for underserved patient populations, has increased access to high-quality healthcare across all North Shore communities. Cormier oversaw the development of the hospitals’ High Risk Intervention Team, with the goal of addressing gaps in the care of patients with complex social, behavioral, and medical needs in the community. He has also expanded programs and local access to specialists, New England Baptist Orthopedic program at Beverly Hospital, PCI services, the expansion of Behavioral Health services, Urgent Care Centers in Danvers and Gloucester, cardiovascular diagnostic services at Addison Gilbert Hospital and numerous other services and programs.

Cormier also spearheaded the CREATE culture at Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals. CREATE stands for community, respect, excellence, accountability, teamwork, and empathy, which hospital employees and staff use as a support guide as they strive to deliver the best care possible. Outside of his hospital work, Cormier devotes much his time to numerous organizations, including the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, where he has served on the Board of Trustees and chaired the association’s Standing Committee on Finance. He also serves on the board of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce.

“As president, Phil has always been focused on ensuring Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals serves the needs of our patients and our communities and delivers on its commitment to quality, safety and a positive experience. We offer our congratulations to Phil on this well-deserved honor,” added Michael Rowan, executive vice president for Hospital and Ambulatory Services, Beth Israel Lahey Health.

“Phil is a dedicated, visionary leader who put his heart and soul into ensuring the hospitals’ success,” said Nancy Palmer, chair of Beverly & Addison Gilbert Hospitals Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the hospitals’ board of trustees and senior leadership team, it is honor to nominate Phil and recognize the positive impact he has made on providing the highest quality of care to patients and their family members, while also giving back to the communities that we serve.”

As Cormier prepares to enter retirement, this recognition confirms that he has made the Massachusetts healthcare system a better and more accessible place than he found it. 

“Beverly Hospital and Addison Gilbert Hospital are still providing services to their communities more than 100 years after they were founded. It’s the strength of the organization, the community, the staff, the physicians, the nurses, the board and the management that will help us continue into the future,” reflected Cormier.