Skip to main content
Chris DeRienzo, MD, Neonat/Perinatology, Chicago, IL

Chris DeRienzo MD MPP, FAAP

Neonat/Perinatology•Chicago, IL

Chief Physician Executive @ AHA

Join to View Full Profile

  • 155 N. Wacker Dr.Chicago, IL 60606

  • Phone+1 312-422-3000

Dr. DeRienzo is on Doximity

As a Doximity member you'll join over two million verified healthcare professionals in a private, secure network.

  • Gain access to free telehealth tools, such as our “call shielding” and one-way patient texting.
  • Connect with colleagues in the same hospital or clinic.
  • Read the latest clinical news, personalized to your specialty.
See Dr. DeRienzo's Full ProfileAlready have an account?

Summary

  • Dr. Chris DeRienzo is a nationally recognized physician leader, health advocate, and fitness enthusiast committed to transforming healthcare and inspiring wellness at every level—from individuals to entire communities. As the author of Tiny Medicine: One Doctor’s Biggest Lessons from His Smallest Patients and a devoted husband and father, Dr. DeRienzo strives to live a balanced life dedicated to advancing health and well-being.

    In his role as Chief Physician Executive of the American Hospital Association (AHA) and President of the AHA’s 501(c)3 affiliate Health Research & Educational Trust, Dr. DeRienzo leads national initiatives to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen hospitals, and promote innovation across the nation’s health systems. A passionate advocate for health improvement, he is a frequent spokesperson on critical clinical issues impacting communities nationwide.

    Throughout his career, Dr. DeRienzo has focused on improving healthcare quality and innovation. At WakeMed Health and Hospitals, he helped guide the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to its consistent recognition for safety and quality with A/A/A Leapfrog designations. At Mission Health, his innovative use of data analytics earned the system recognition as an IBM Watson Top 15 Health System in 2017 and 2018. As Chief Medical Officer of Cardinal Analytx, he played a pivotal role in scaling AI-powered solutions to improve patient outcomes and operational performance.

    Dr. DeRienzo holds dual board certifications in pediatrics and neonatology and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics. In addition to his work at the AHA, he contributes to healthcare innovation as a Board Member for Mednition, where he leverages AI to improve clinical decision-making, and as an Advisor to Concord Health Partners.

Education & Training

  • Duke University Hospital
    Duke University HospitalFellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2011 - 2014
  • Duke University Hospital
    Duke University HospitalResidency, Pediatrics, 2009 - 2011
  • Duke University Hospital
    Duke University HospitalInternship, Pediatrics, 2008 - 2009
  • Terry Sanford School of Public Policy
    Terry Sanford School of Public PolicyMPP, Health Policy, 2005 - 2008
  • Duke University School of Medicine
    Duke University School of MedicineClass of 2008
  • NICHD COSTEP Program
    NICHD COSTEP ProgramExternship, 2006
  • Brandeis University
    Brandeis UniversityBS, Biology, Magna Cum Laude, 2003

Certifications & Licensure

  • NC State Medical License
    NC State Medical License 2008 - 2026
  • Pediatrics
    American Board of Pediatrics Pediatrics
  • Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
    American Board of Pediatrics Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • Finalist, David C. Leach Award ACGME, 2012
  • Senior Scholarship Award Recipient 2008
  • Appleseed Teaching Award Duke University School of Medicine, 2008, 2011
  • Join now to see all

Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Journal Articles

  • The Duke GME Patient Safety and Quality Council.  
    DeRienzo CM, Am J Med Qual. 2012;27(suppl 2):1 30S-31S

Books/Book Chapters

  • Oxford American Handbook on Sports Medicine. 
    Chapter: The Female Athlete 
    Page 519 - 541DeRienzo CM, Squire DEditors: Bytomski J, Moorman C.OUP, New York

Abstracts/Posters

  • Neonatal Handoffs.
    DeRienzo, C, Horvath M, Lenfestey R, Ferranti J, AAP National Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans, LA
  • Pediatric Handoffs at Duke – Housestaff Leading the Change.
    DeRienzo, C et al, .” DUHS 7th Annual Patient Safety and Quality Conference, Durham, NC
  • The Duke GME Safety, Quality, and Handoffs Initiative.
    Boggan J, Westreich K, Sadun R, DeRienzo C, DUHS 7th Annual Patient Safety and Quality Conference, Durham, NC
  • Join now to see all

Lectures

  • The Duke GME Safety, Quality, and Handoffs Initiative: Empowering Housestaff to Lead the Change. 
    UHC Annual Confernece. Chicago, IL
  • National Trends in Pediatric Ambulatory Care Sensitive Hospitalizations. 
    AMA MSS/RFS Annual Poster Session. Chicago, IL
  • Safer Handoffs – Part 3. 
    North Carolina Quality Center / California Hospital Patient Safety Organization Joint Webinar Series
  • Join now to see all

Authored Content

  • It’s Time to Believe in Each Other Again12/26/2017

Press Mentions

  • Ambient AI Technology at Cleveland Clinic: Reducing Physician Burnout and Enhancing Patient Care
    Ambient AI Technology at Cleveland Clinic: Reducing Physician Burnout and Enhancing Patient CareApril 14th, 2025
  • Surgeons Continue to Mistakenly Leave Objects in Thousands of Patients
    Surgeons Continue to Mistakenly Leave Objects in Thousands of PatientsApril 3rd, 2025
  • Health Care Organizations Change Their Culture to Reduce Clinician Burnout
    Health Care Organizations Change Their Culture to Reduce Clinician BurnoutJanuary 23rd, 2025
  • Join now to see all

Grant Support

  • Feedings, Tranfusions and Necrotizing EnterocolitisThrasher Research Fund - Early Career Award2011–2013

Committees

  • President, Durham Orange County Medical Society 2013 - Present
  • District IV Representative, AAP Section on Perinatal Pediatrics - TECaN Executive Committee 2011 - Present
  • Director, Durham Orange County Medical Society - Board of Directors 2009 - Present
  • Chair, North Carolina Medical Society - Residents and Fellows Section 2009 - 2011
  • Trustee, American Medical Association Board of Trustees 2006 - 2008
  • Delegate, American Medical Association - Student Governing Council 2004 - 2005

Professional Memberships

Viewing the full profile is available to verified healthcare professionals only.

Find your profile and take control of your online presence:

Dr. Chris DeRienzo, Dr. Chris DeRienzo, MD, Dr. C DeRienzo