Garth Walker, MD, is an academic board-certified emergency physician with state, federal and private sector experience. A recognized healthcare and public health thought leader, he has been interviewed and quoted by major local and national news networks, such as MSNBC, Chicago Sun-Times and ABC. As the senior medical director for Rush Health, he is responsible for identifying and developing innovative reimbursement models in value-based care that advance the growth and financial sustainability of RUSH Health and value-based care across Rush Health System. Dr. Walker also plays a strategic role in RUSH’s population health strategy and growth, focusing on improving utilization standardization and evidence-based quality within physician practices, particularly as they relate to chronic disease management.

Dr. Walker also served as the deputy director for the Illinois Department of Public Health at the height of COVID-19. He operated internal and external public health strategies during COVID-19 to enhance vaccination rates, advise vaccine operations across state departments, and improve men's health and opioid strategies across Illinois. Dr. Walker was appointed by President Biden to serve as a White House fellow and senior advisor with the department of Health and Human Services at the Office of the Surgeon General under Dr. Vivek Murthy.