Hospital for Special Surgery announced on Apr. 16 the appointment of Valarie McPherson as Vice President, Ambulatory Operations and Clinical Services. This is a newly created position aimed at expanding and integrating the hospital’s ambulatory services to support high-quality care across its sites.
The new role reflects the hospital’s focus on improving access to specialized orthopedic care and strengthening operational performance across outpatient facilities. The Hospital for Special Surgery contributes to community health by providing specialized orthopedic care and advancing musculoskeletal research, according to the official website.
McPherson will oversee system-wide ambulatory operations, including surgery centers, outpatient clinics, and certain ancillary services. She will be responsible for driving standardization and coordination among these sites in line with HSS’s growth goals. “Val’s appointment strengthens our ability to deliver a more coordinated, high-performing ambulatory model at scale,” said Mary Cassai, executive vice president and chief operating officer at HSS. “Her experience leading complex clinical operations and driving performance across sites will be important as we expand access to more patients across the New York Tri-State region and enhance the patient experience.”
Before joining HSS, McPherson served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center. She brings over 25 years of experience in managing clinical and operational functions within large health systems.
Douglas E. Padgett said: “Val is a highly accomplished healthcare executive with deep experience in leading complex clinical operations. She will play a key role in strengthening our ambulatory platform and supporting continued growth across the system.” McPherson added: “HSS has set the standard for musculoskeletal care through a clear focus on quality and outcomes. I’m looking forward to advancing the operational capabilities that support that care—expanding access, improving efficiency, and ensuring a seamless experience for patients.”
The Hospital for Special Surgery has achieved consistent top rankings in orthopedics along with multiple Magnet designations for nursing excellence according to its official website (source). The hospital also focuses on providing top-tier patient care aimed at enhancing mobility while advancing research in orthopedic surgery and rheumatology (source). Its partnerships extend specialized orthopedic services beyond New York—including Southwest Florida—to reach more communities (source).
McPherson will begin her new role on April 27 under Cassai’s supervision.
