Dr. David Duffey is a transformational healthcare executive and physician leader with over 30 years of experience driving systemic change across major health systems in the United States. A mission-driven strategist with a passion for improving outcomes, health equity, and patient safety, Dr. Duffey brings a unique blend of clinical insight, operational excellence, and forward-thinking leadership to every role he serves.
Currently, Dr. Duffey is the Vice President of the Women’s and Children’s Service Line at OSF HealthCare, where he leads enterprise-wide initiatives to integrate and elevate care for women and children across the organization’s extensive network. His leadership has led to the standardization of care protocols across eight birthing units—efforts that have significantly reduced maternal hemorrhage rates and increased breastfeeding success. These outcomes exemplify his ability to combine data, collaboration, and innovation to drive tangible, measurable improvements in patient care.
Dr. Duffey’s distinguished career includes executive and clinical leadership positions at respected health systems such as PeaceHealth, Spectrum Health, MetroHealth, and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Across these organizations, he has held titles such as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director of Informatics, and Division Chief of Pediatric Hospitalists. In each of these roles, he successfully aligned multidisciplinary teams, implemented evidence-based care models, expanded pediatric subspecialties in underserved communities, and led enterprise-wide EHR initiatives.
With P&L responsibility for budgets exceeding $100 million, Dr. Duffey has deep operational and financial acumen. He has led transformative growth initiatives while ensuring fiscal sustainability, improved clinician productivity, and introduced structured governance models that foster accountability and professional development. His leadership philosophy is rooted in building cultures of trust, continuous improvement, and collaboration—creating environments where healthcare teams can thrive and patients receive the highest quality of care.
Dr. Duffey holds a Doctor of Osteopathy from Des Moines University and a bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College. He is certified in Conversational Leadership through David Whyte and Invitas, a distinction that reflects his commitment to coaching, mentoring, and thoughtful communication. He has spoken at healthcare conferences, appeared on industry podcasts, and authored a professional article, further amplifying his impact on the healthcare field.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Duffey previously served as a board member for Ele’s Place – Grand Rapids Community Board, a nonprofit supporting grieving children and teens. His personal passions include fishing and reading, and he approaches life and leadership with empathy, integrity, and a deep desire to help others.
Now actively seeking board and advisory opportunities, Dr. Duffey is excited to bring his wealth of experience to organizations in healthcare, AI, alternative energy, and technology. With no restrictions on company size or revenue, he is focused on supporting purposeful innovation, guiding mission-aligned growth, and helping others walk the best path forward through strategic oversight and visionary leadership.
Character: Dr. Duffey is a values-driven leader known for his integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.
Knowledge: He brings over 30 years of deep expertise in healthcare operations, clinical leadership, quality management, and health IT systems.
Strategic: Dr. Duffey has successfully led multi-million-dollar transformation initiatives by aligning clinical goals with organizational strategy and measurable outcomes.
Communication: A skilled communicator and mentor, he fosters collaboration across disciplines and empowers teams through thoughtful dialogue, governance, and coaching.
