Biology grad is first chief quality officer at Akron Children's Hospital

Dr. Michael Bigham '97, who graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in biology, was recently appointed chief quality officer at Akron Children's Hospital. In this newly-created position, Bigham will lead efforts for quality, safety and patient experience, which are integral components of the hospital's mission.

"While all of our staff is responsible for quality, it is important to our patients and families that we have a consistent voice at the executive table to advocate for quality, safety and patient experience in all of our hospital's initiatives," Grace Wakulchik, president of Akron Children's Hospital, said of the new position of chief quality officer in a news release.

A decade of quality care

Bigham has a rich history with Akron Children's Hospital, including having worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit as a pediatric intensivist for 10 years. Other roles Bigham has held include chair of Medical Performance Improvement for the past three years and medical director of Transport Services.

In 2015, Bigham was honored with the Heart of Hudson Award for his work at the hospital.