Palo Alto Doc Honored by Women Health Care Group

Palo Alto resident Dr. Sharon Levine has been recognized as Women Health Care Executives’ 2012 Woman of the Year by Women Health Care Executives.

Levine, associate executive director of The Permanente Medical Group of Northern California, was selected for her field achievements as well as for being a role model by “balancing professional and community commitments,” according to an announcement Thursday by Karl Sonkin, Media Relations representative for Kaiser.

“Dr. Levine’s career speaks to an unwavering commitment to ensure high-quality, patient-centered health care delivery, as well as to the professionals, both clinical and administrative, who share her enthusiasm,” said Julie Brown, WHCE immediate past president.

Dr. Robert Pearl, executive director and CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, called Levine a “brilliant strategist” who has focused on ensuring that patients receive “superior quality” and personalized service.

“Dr. Levine is a dedicated and caring leader, and a mentor and role model for women in health care — not only within Kaiser Permanente, but in the health-care community at large,” Dr. Pearl said. “She has helped to make Kaiser Permanente not only the leader in health care in California, but also a model for the nation. I can’t think of anyone in this country more deserving of this recognition.”

Levine joined The Permanente Medical group in 1977, and has served on the boards of directors of the Public Health Institute of California, the California Association of Physician Groups, the Reagan-Udall Foundation, the Medical Board of California, and Insure the Uninsured Project.

Levine will be recognized at a ceremony tonight at the We