Bunny Ellerin, Director of the Healthcare and Pharamceutical Management Program at Columbia Business School, was quoted alongside fellow thought leaders in an article written by Health Leaders Media. The article assessed initial reactions to Atul Gawande, MD being named CEO of the joint healthcare venture by Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase. Those who praised Gawande's appointment noted the thought leadership in his books and essays, as well as his hands-on experience helping U.S. health systems and international organizations innovate. Those who remained skeptical suggested the buzz may be overhyped. Bunny, like the majority of her peers, expressed enthusiasm over the announcement and confidence in his leadership capabilities.
"This choice is brilliant," Ellerin said in a statement. "Dr. Gawande embodies exactly what we want in healthcare—a practicing physician with compassion, empathy and a patient-centered philosophy. He is someone who believes that we can do better and deliver improved healthcare if we focus on what’s important to the individual patient and to society more broadly."
Ms Ellerin in a follow-up article elaborates on her response to Dr. Gawande's new appointment, where she attributes her assessment to over 25 years of experience in healthcare coupled with what she has seen and read over the years on Dr. Gawande's work.