A transformational leader with 19 years of experience progressing through leadership, serving thousands of clients & team members, and rolling out hundreds of different projects improving the experience for both employees and customers. Blaze has a unique perspective as he has held formal leadership positions with 5 different healthcare systems across three different states over the past several years. Now Blaze serves as an Associate Professor sharing his wisdom with the care givers of tomorrow. With Blaze’s extensive leadership background and experience in education, Blaze will provide an immediate impact to any board bringing his foundation of compassion and sincerity coupled with strategic leadership.
His career has been defined by a deep commitment to empowering individuals, improving patient outcomes, and integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare operations. With expertise spanning leadership, strategic planning, workforce development, and digital transformation. Blaze has built a reputation for driving change at the intersection of healthcare and technology.
Blaze’s career began with a strong clinical foundation, earning his Bachelors from Case Western Reserve University and later obtaining his Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Blaze has served at all levels: staff, manager, and director. Most recently as of 2022, Blaze was the Occupational Health Director (Employee Health) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where through his leadership he was able to serve the 18,000+ employees during some of the most difficult times through the Covid Pandemic (previous to this Blaze opened the first department to serve Covid 19 positive patients at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA).
His extensive leadership experience includes managing multidisciplinary teams, optimizing clinical workflows, and improving patient satisfaction across major healthcare institutions, including The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Tufts Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Rochester General Hospital.
Blaze’s dedication to education and workforce development is evident in his role as an associate professor at Rochester General Hospital College of Health Careers. In this position, he mentors those entering the healthcare workforce, helping them build critical thinking skills, clinical expertise, and leadership acumen. His work extends beyond the classroom, participating in simulation committees, DEI initiatives, and exam development projects that strengthen education on a national scale (Blaze is a member of the committee that writes the questions for the national nursing exam – NCLEX).
As a healthcare consultant, Blaze works with AI-driven companies to develop education platforms, leadership programs, and digital transformation strategies. Blaze also consults with a leading Nursing Education company, where he helps create and review innovative products for education, and writes educational literature drawing from his diverse experiences in healthcare. Through these experiences Blaze has been able to demonstrate his ability to bridge technology, leadership, and education creating innovative solutions that enhance learning, efficiency, and decision-making in healthcare.
Blaze has also received several honors recognizing his impact on healthcare innovation and patient advocacy. He was awarded the Ohio State University Grant for Improving Communication with Medications, funding a project to streamline medication education for nurses and patients. Additionally, he received the Caring Through Coloring grant to support children visiting hospitalized family members and was nominated for the Nurse Excellence Award at University Hospitals of Cleveland. These accolades underscore his unwavering commitment to improving the human experience in healthcare.
Beyond his professional achievements, Blaze is deeply involved in volunteer work and professional committees. He previously served on the Alumni Board for the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, helping to strengthen alumni engagement and promote nursing excellence. He has also led key projects such as Epic MyChart Bedside, a patient-centered digital health initiative.
Blaze’s professional philosophy centers around collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. He believes that healthcare transformation requires a synergy between leadership, technology, and frontline clinical expertise. By empowering nurses, advocating for patient-centered policies, and embracing AI-driven solutions, Blaze continues to shape the future of healthcare operations.
Character:
Blaze Hirsch is known for his unwavering integrity, compassionate leadership, and commitment to excellence in nursing and healthcare innovation. His guiding principle, “Never hesitate to help someone in need,” reflects his deep dedication to empowering healthcare professionals and improving patient outcomes.
Knowledge:
With advanced degrees, national certifications, and hands-on experience in nursing leadership, education, and technology, Blaze possesses a comprehensive understanding of healthcare operations, workforce development, and AI-driven solutions. He held a CNML – Certified Nurse Manager Leader certification for six years and has maintained national certification as a Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse through the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses for over ten years. His expertise spans clinical practice, strategic leadership, and digital transformation.
Strategic:
Blaze is a forward-thinking leader who bridges the gap between clinical practice and technology-driven solutions. He has successfully implemented initiatives in nursing education, operational efficiency, and patient-centered care, demonstrating his ability to anticipate industry shifts and drive meaningful change.
Communication:
An engaging speaker, educator, and consultant, Blaze excels at translating complex healthcare challenges into actionable solutions. His ability to connect with teams, mentor future leaders, and advocate for innovation makes him an influential voice in healthcare leadership and digital transformation.
