Howard University Hospital, Howard University Faculty Practice Plan, Adventist HealthCare, & Metro Health Announce Strategic Partnership to Improve Patient Outcomes & Access to Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 22, 2022) – Howard University Hospital (HUH), Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (HUFPP), and Adventist HealthCare (AHC), recently announced a partnership agreement with Metro Health, a leading provider of community health services in the Nation’s Capital. The strategic partnership will address new and evolving healthcare needs of Metro Health patients with a focus on creating accessible, seamless and coordinated specialty care in underserved communities.
“Howard University Hospital is honored to be a part of this new initiative with Metro Health, Adventist HealthCare and the Howard University Faculty Practice plan to provide local residents with equitable access to affordable, specialized care,” said Anita L.A. Jenkins, Howard University Hospital Chief Executive Officer. “Combining clinical expertise with innovative solutions aligns with our strategic mission to eliminate barriers to treatment and improve the health outcomes of people in our local community.”
“At Metro Health, our mission is to build healthier communities, one person at a time. We believe that our partnership will allow us to fulfill our business mission. The timely access to specialists and imaging services will enable our patients to experience improved health outcomes,” said Miguel McInnis Chief Executive Officer for Metro Health. “The ability to work with an organization that aligns with our commitment to provide that care regardless of insuredness or ability to pay is priceless.” The partnership will operate as a Clinically Integrated Network (CIN), leveraging collaborative communications, shared technology and standardized processes to help patients and their families navigate complex health system services. The goal is to create a seamless and personalized patient experience that spans the entire patient journey.
“Access to patient-centered specialty care remains a challenge nationwide and in the District of Columbia. So, we are pleased to partner with these organizations to bring cutting-edge solutions that cater to patient needs,” said Dr. Robert Linton, Howard University Hospital Chief Medical Officer. “Through collaboration and innovation, we will improve our operational efficiency so that our caregivers can focus their efforts on providing patients with the highest quality of care. We anticipate great results from this partnership.”
“What I cherish most about practicing medicine is seeing patient’s health outcomes on an individual and collective level improve while guiding them through our complex healthcare systems,” said Dr. Shayla Graham-Brock, Metro Health Medical Director. “We believe this alliance will forge the foundation for the long-term betterment of communities that have often been marginalized by socioeconomic and cultural barriers. I look forward to the continued success of bridging gaps in care for the DMV region through this new partnership.”
Metro Health will leverage Adventist HealthCare’s One Health Quality Alliance network, designed to provide patients with highest quality care at the lowest cost. Metro Health will also tap into a combined network of 1,900 physician providers across the Greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.
“Adventist HealthCare is proud to partner and share resources with like-minded healthcare organizations who exemplify an unwavering commitment and compassion for improving patient care across a broad spectrum,” said Marta Perez, Adventist HealthCare Senior Vice President, Population Health and Physician Enterprise. “This unique agreement between Adventist HealthCare, Metro Health, Howard University Hospital and the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan will allow greater continuity of care, enhanced patient experiences and better health outcomes for local residents and the community at large.”
“Across the healthcare spectrum, the increased demand for access to integrated, specialized care is critically needed in communities that are severely underserved. The ability to deliver innovative care solutions requires a keen understanding of social determinants of health,” said Dr. Andrea Hayes Dixon, Dean, Howard University College of Medicine; Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, Howard University School of Medicine; Surgeon-in-Chief, Howard University Hospital; Associate Director of Howard University Cancer Center. “Today’s partnership announcement is a substantial commitment that marries the right clinical expertise with the latest technological advancements to break down barriers and expand access to patient-centered care.”
Historically, D.C., residents in underserved communities have had limited access to specialty care providers. These disparities result from a number of behavioral, environmental and socioeconomic factors. The partnership has identified nine critical areas of need currently impacting the local community. These specialty care areas include: OBGYN, Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Breast Cancer, Dental/Oral Health, Infectious Disease and General Surgery.
Dontae Patterson, Patient, and Metro Health Board Chair stated, “As a federally qualified healthcare center, Metro Health is committed to providing quality healthcare to the residents of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Through this partnership, we will be able to limit barriers to care. Closing care gaps is essential to ensuring equal access to healthcare for all individuals. We look forward to entering this partnership with Howard University Hospital, Howard University Faculty Practice Plan, and Adventist HealthCare.” “This partnership is an integral step in the right direction for the advancement of care among key patient populations and has the potential to dramatically transform the healthcare space through the use of collaboration and innovative technologies,” said Dr. Terrance M. Fullum, Professor of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine; Chief Clinical Officer, Howard University Faculty Practice Plan; Chief, Division of MIS and Bariatric Surgery; Medical Director, Howard University Center for Wellness and Weight Loss Surgery, Howard University Hospital. “We are
thrilled that together, we can bring groundbreaking health solutions to patients across a dynamic platform in a new and powerful way.”
Howard University Hospital, Howard University Faculty Practice Plan, Adventist HealthCare and Metro Health expect to address a number of healthcare challenges that have a significant impact on access to services, equity in care, patient experience, and improved health outcomes.

For media inquiries, contact: Tony Blue, ablue@huhosp.org.