Banner Health’s clinical leader driving care innovation

Dr. Bessel’s work earns honor of Modern Healthcare’s most influential

/EIN News/ -- PHOENIX, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marjorie Bessel, MD, chief clinical officer at Banner Health, has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025. It is the third time in five years she has won this prestigious industry honor for her efforts leading Banner’s clinical initiatives. 

Dr. Bessel brought together a diverse team to improve quality and access for patients who rely on the nonprofit health system across six western states. With daily teamwork, smart data, and strong collaboration across specialties, patients moved through the hospital and transitioned smoothly to the next step in their care—whether that’s rehabilitation, home, or another facility. It’s part of an organizational-wide effort to improve care agility and focus on interdisciplinary learning. This approach freed up space equal to 100 new beds, allowing Banner to care for nearly 10,000 more patients in 2024. 

“Banner Health is a name synonymous with quality, and that’s due in large part to the work of Dr. Bessel, whose 20-year career has been driven by a commitment to getting people home to their families safely and staying well in our communities,” said Banner Health President and CEO Amy Perry. “We are not surprised by this recognition given our amazing team and attention to detail that Dr. Bessel brings to work every day.”  

Under her leadership, Banner Health achieved its lowest-ever clinician burnout rates in 2024, and the best in the nation according to the Maslach Burnout Inventory tool. Dr. Bessel brought “joy” back to medicine through stronger support and celebration of clinical staff, helping them feel valued and energized so they can provide better care for their patients. One of Banner’s most trusted leaders has become a go-to voice for health care experts statewide and nationally. By organizing important conversations about Arizona’s public health challenges, she has driven positive change for patients and communities well beyond Banner’s hospital walls. 

“Becoming a clinician doesn’t automatically prepare one for a leadership role, helping to guide an organization or an industry. The 50 clinicians chosen this year as the most influential, some newcomers and some we have recognized previously, are having an oversized impact,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Their work is benefiting their own teams in terms of clinical advancements and financial results and is leading to better patient outcomes.” 

The annual list narrows in on the most influential professionals from among the health care industry ranks. Each has a unique story of innovation, leadership, advocacy, or clinical excellence to share. This year’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives are profiled in the June issue of Modern Healthcare and online at ModernHealthcare.com/50Most. 

About Banner Health 

Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country with 33 hospitals and a premier academic delivery destination for patient care, research and teaching, Banner – University Medicine. Banner Health has a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center, creating Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com. 

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• Dr. Bessel headshot

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