NMCSD Director Honored with 2026 AHA Federal Health Care Executive Award for Excellence

May 7, 2026 - 19:17

SAN DIEGO -- Capt. Elizabeth Adriano, the director of Naval Medical Center San Diego, has been selected for the 2026 Federal Health Care Executive Award for Excellence by the American Hospital Association. The award recognizes leaders in federal health care who demonstrate outstanding commitment to improving patient care, operational efficiency, and collaboration across the military health system.

Adriano has led NMCSD since 2022, overseeing one of the Navy's largest medical treatment facilities. Under her direction, the center expanded telehealth services, streamlined patient intake processes, and strengthened partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs and local civilian hospitals. She also prioritized mental health resources for active-duty service members and their families, launching new programs aimed at reducing wait times for behavioral health appointments.

The AHA noted Adriano's focus on innovation during a period of high demand. Her team implemented data-driven scheduling systems that cut average appointment delays by nearly 20 percent. She also pushed for better integration between inpatient and outpatient care, helping patients move more smoothly from surgery to recovery at home.

In a statement, Adriano said the award reflects the hard work of the entire NMCSD staff. She emphasized that military medicine requires constant adaptation and that the real reward is seeing patients return to full duty or healthy family life. The award will be presented at the AHA's annual leadership summit in Washington, D.C., later this year.