News

New Health Care Services Board Chair Appointed for Rochester Regional Health

Tricia Gatlin, PhD, will serve as the new Chair of the Health Care Services Board for Rochester Regional Health.

Sep. 11, 2023

Tricia Gatlin is standing in front of green grass and trees. She is dressed in a business suit and smiling

Rochester, NY - Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is delighted to announce the appointment of Tricia Gatlin, PhD, RN, CNE, Dean of the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University, as the new Chair of the Health Care Services Board at RRH. Gatlin, a distinguished health care professional and researcher, is also one of the leading nursing education advocates in the region, and will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this prestigious role.

Gatlin will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic vision and direction of Rochester General Hospital (RGH) and Unity Hospital in her new role as Chair of the Health Care Services Board. The Health Care Services Board provides strategic guidance and oversight to each of these hospitals. Her exceptional leadership skills and comprehensive understanding of health care challenges and opportunities will contribute significantly to the continued excellence of Rochester Regional in providing quality patient care and pioneering health care solutions.

“I am honored to be the first nurse to chair the Health Care Services Board. I am passionate about and committed to advancing the overall quality of patient care,” said Gatlin. “I look forward to working with fellow board members over the coming years and continuing to improve the overall health quality of individuals who seek care within the Rochester Regional Health care system.” 

Gatlin joined St. John Fisher University and the Wegmans School of Nursing as Dean in 2020. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to nursing education and research. Gatlin often presents at national and international conferences on nursing topics, and her research findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Much of that work has focused on self-care and vulnerable populations. At Fisher, Gatlin has secured grants from the Mother Cabrini Foundation and Health Resources and Services Administration totaling more than $2 million to support efforts to improve nursing education through technology and diversify the workforce pipeline.

Gatlin’s knowledge as an educator and dedication to the nursing profession, practical experience as a Registered Nurse, and international leadership in adopting augmented and virtual reality into nursing education add tremendous value to her influence on the delivery of high-quality health care.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tricia Gatlin as the new Chair of the Health Care Services Board,” said Richard 'Chip' Davis, Ph.D., CEO of Rochester Regional Health. "Her impressive background in nursing education, her passion for research and her commitment to improving community health care make her the ideal Chair of our esteemed Health Care Services Board."

Gatlin previously served as an Associate Professor and Associate Dean at the School of Nursing at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and held various academic positions at esteemed institutions such as the University of Portland's School of Nursing, Clark College in Washington, and Clackamas Community College in Oregon. Here in Rochester, she sits on numerous boards and committees. She is also a member of the New York State Council of Deans, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, New York Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, New York Organization for Nursing Leadership, and NurseTrust. 

Gatlin holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from the University of Arizona, a M.S. in Nursing Leadership from University of Portland, a B.S. from the University of Memphis, and an AA in Nursing from Dyersburg State Community College.