Dr. Elissa Charbonneau, D.O., M.S., stands at the forefront of modern healthcare, wielding her expertise to revolutionize patient care and clinical leadership. As the Chief Medical Officer of Encompass Health since June 2015, she orchestrates medical operations, ensures quality standards, and oversees patient care across the company's impressive network of 150 hospitals, collectively discharging over 181,000 patients annually.
A distinguished career has marked Dr. Charbonneau's path to this prestigious position. Prior to her role as CMO, she served as the company's Medical Services Vice President, showcasing her commitment to the continuous improvement of healthcare services. Her roots in healthcare trace back to 1992, when she began her tenure as a staff physician at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland, a joint venture between Maine Medical Center and Encompass Health. Her dedication and prowess eventually saw her ascend to the role of Medical Director, a position she held with distinction from 2001 until early 2015.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Dr. Charbonneau is a passionate advocate for mentorship and patient-centered care. Her extensive experience and knowledge have positioned her as an authority on a range of critical topics, from clinical leadership to post-acute care and opioid reduction. Her invaluable insights have been instrumental in advancing the field of rehabilitation medicine.
Academically, Dr. Charbonneau boasts an impressive array of credentials. She received her Bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a Master's in Natural Sciences/Epidemiology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Her educational journey culminated in a Doctorate from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Charbonneau's influence transcends the hospital walls. She is an esteemed member of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women National Leadership Council, a platform through which she actively contributes to improving women's lives across organizations, communities, and the nation. She is also a proud diplomate of both the American Boards of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as the American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Modern Healthcare consecutively named Dr. Charbonneau as one of its 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives in 2020, 2021, and 2022, a testament to her enduring impact on the healthcare landscape.
When not immersed in her professional endeavors, Dr. Charbonneau finds solace in the picturesque landscapes of Maine, where she resides with her spouse and two rescue dogs. Her love for vegetarian cuisine, coupled with outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, skiing, and leisurely walks along the Maine coast, exemplify her vibrant approach to life outside the medical realm.
In every facet of her life, Dr. Charbonneau embodies the spirit of compassionate and innovative healthcare, leaving an indelible mark on the field of rehabilitation medicine. Her tireless dedication to patients and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to healthcare professionals and patients alike.