The Joint Commission said Wednesday it appointed Dr. Ana Pujols-McKee as its new executive vice president and chief medical officer.

McKee will work on developing policies and strategies that promote patient safety and improve quality in health care. Her responsibilities will include supporting The Joint Commission's Patient Safety Advisory Group and offer clinical guidance for the organization's Center for Transforming Healthcare.

"Ana has a well-deserved reputation as a dynamic leader who forms strong, effective partnerships that promote health care quality and patient safety," Dr. Mark Chassin, the organization's president, said in prepared remarks. "Her talents will serve The Joint Commission well as it continues to focus on helping health care organizations excel in providing the highest quality and safest care that Americans expect and deserve."

McKee currently serves as the CMO and associate executive director for Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania Health System. She is also an associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

McKee is a former board member of several organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. She is currently the board chair for the Pennsylvania Safety Authority and vice chair for the Public Health Management Corporation.

McKee will assume her new position on Feb. 14, 2011.

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