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(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070815/LAW132 )
"This is an exciting time for me. I have always admired Cook Children'sand its wonderful rich legacy which has been marked by many greataccomplishments, significant outcomes and an extraordinarily high level ofcare." Merrill said. "We have an opportunity to embrace and implement thesystem's bold vision for the future and take this health care system to aneven more respected, prominent position locally and nationally."
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Merrill brings with him an unparalleled background in health careadministration. He most recently served as CEO and president of DriscollHealth System. In this role, he orchestrated the development of the fullyintegrated pediatric health system, which included Driscoll Children'sHospital, physician organizations and the Driscoll Children's Health Plan. Heoversaw the opening of two Driscoll Children's Specialty Centers inBrownsville and McAllen, Texas. Throughout his time at Driscoll, Merrillremained involved in the community, working with numerous organizationsincluding the United Way of the Coastal Bend, where he served as boardpresident to the organization's Board of Governors.
Prior to joining Driscoll, Merrill was the administrator/chief operatingofficer at Medical City Dallas Hospital. A native of south Texas, Merrillgraduated with a bachelor of science from Texas Tech University in 1982 andreceived a master of science in Health Care Administration in 1984 fromTrinity University in San Antonio.
"The quality and commitment of the physicians and professionals whocomprise Cook Children's is one of the most important reasons for my choosingto join this organization," said Merrill. "Cook Children's has given me anopportunity to lead one of the nation's foremost integrated pediatric deliverysystems at a very exciting time in its history. We are in a position to makeour community the healthiest and best place for a family to raise children. Icannot think of anything more rewarding to my family or me than to make this areality." Merrill is married to Evelyn Merrill, M.D., a practicing physician.They have two daughters, Genevieve and Renee.
ABOUT COOK CHILDREN'S
Cook Children's is one of the country's leading integrated pediatrichealth care delivery systems. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the non-profitorganization includes a nationally recognized Medical Center, PhysicianNetwork, Home Health Company, Health Plan, Health Foundation and Health CareSystem. Cook Children's mission is to improve the health of children throughthe prevention and treatment of illness, disease and injury.
Cook Children's includes more than 35 pediatric medical offices andspecialty clinics throughout Texas. Cook Children's Medical Center is rankedin the top 3 percent of the nation's hospitals for its nursing excellence andhas a distinguished reputation for the uncommon care and outcomes achieved inits Neurology and Neurosurgery, Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery,Neonatology, Hematology/Oncology and Pulmonology programs. For moreinformation about Cook Children's, please call 1-800-934-COOK (2665) or visithttp://www.cookchildrens.org.
SOURCE Cook Children's Health
