Patricia A. Gabow, M.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of Denver Health and Hospital Authority. She has been nationally recognized for her work to increase access to basic health care for all Coloradans, especially the underserved, most of whom are women and children. In seeking to improve sustainability of the mission, Dr. Gabow led the effort to convert the hospital from part of the city to an independent governmental authority.
Dr. Gabow joined the staff in 1973 as chief of the Renal Division. During her tenure in that role and as director of Medical Services, she became internationally known for her scientific work in polycystic kidney disease. Her current research relates to health services for the underserved. Author of over 150 articles and book chapters, Dr. Gabow is also professor of medicine in the Division of Renal Disease at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
She received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, trained in Internal Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Harbor General Hospital in Torrance, Calif., and received further training in nephrology at San Francisco General Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She has been awarded the Florence Rena Sabin Award for medical education and public health advocacy and elected to the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame for her commitment to Colorado's healthcare safety net. She was named one of the top 25 Women in Health Care by Modern Healthcare Magazine in 2005. Dr. Gabow is also a member of The Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performing Health System.