Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Named Next President of TMH

Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, current chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care at The Miriam Hospital, has been named the hospital’s new president, effective January 1, 2021. She will replace Arthur Sampson, who is retiring at the end of 2020, after serving in a variety of roles at Lifespan over the past 35 years.

“After a national search for an individual of exceptional experience and caliber, we have selected Dr. Maria Ducharme as The Miriam’s next president,” said Timothy J. Babineau, MD, president and CEO of Lifespan, in an announcement last week. “It’s always gratifying when existing leaders within the Lifespan system are recognized as such and are encouraged to grow and thrive within the system.”

Dr. Ducharme earned a doctorate of nursing practice from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Rhode Island, and a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Rhode Island College.

During her 33 years at The Miriam, Dr. Ducharme has amassed an enormous foundation of clinical knowledge as well as knowledge of virtually every hospital priority and plan.

She has helped lead The Miriam to many local and national achievements, including spearheading the hospital’s unprecedented six consecutive Magnet recognitions. In addition to her nursing and patient care leadership role, she has also served as the incident commander during the COVID-19 crisis, directly overseeing the refinement and deployment of new, evidence-based protocols.

“I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to occupy a role that will be integral to shaping the future of The Miriam Hospital, contributing to the overall strategy of Lifespan and furthering our mission of excellent patient centered care,” said Dr. Ducharme. “I have had the privilege of working with an amazing group of colleagues, and as I step into this role, I look forward to advancing and enhancing our commitment to being a highly reliable organization, one that has a deep culture of trust and transparency and that continually drives excellence in quality and safety.”

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside some of the brightest, most dedicated minds in the health care profession for more than three decades,” said Arthur J. Sampson. “As I close the chapter on my time at The Miriam, I do so knowing that Maria’s capable hands will be at the helm. Her unwavering dedication to patient care, her advocacy for employees, and her vast knowledge of every facet of hospital operations will ensure a successful tenure as The Miriam’s next president.”