SOUTH BEND, Ind. and BOSTON, July 10, 2013 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Distinguished surgeon, noted professor and best-selling author, Dr. Atul Gawande, will deliver a keynote address at Press Ganey Associates' 2013 National Client Conference. Among other accomplishments, Dr. Gawande's insights on controlling health care costs, while increasing efficiency and quality have transformed the national discussion on these issues. Press Ganey, the nation's leading patient experience firm, will host the annual conference November 18-20, 2013 in Orlando, Fla. Nearly 2,000 health care professionals from across the continuum of care will attend the event to discuss innovations in improving the patient experience. Press Ganey announced previously that Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former Secretary of State and Former U.S. Senator from New York, will also speak at the conference.

"We are honored that Dr. Gawande will join Former Secretary Clinton as a keynote speaker to address our clients about the voice of the patient in reforming health care," said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO of Press Ganey. "Dr. Gawande is one of the most influential thought leaders within health care today and his innovative insights continue to shape how we care for the patient across the continuum of care. His unique perspectives on enhancing the patient experience have fostered a more effective system that improves the quality and consistency of care."

Dr. Gawande is the best-selling author of critically acclaimed Complications, Better, and The Checklist Manifesto. He is a staff writer for The New Yorker and was named by TIME as one of the world's top 100 influential thinkers. He is a General and Endocrine Surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Gawande is Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard School of Public Health. In addition, he is Director of Ariadne Labs, a new joint center for health system innovation, and Co-founder and Chairman of Lifebox. Dr. Gawande is a 2007 MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship recipient.

Visit the 2013 Press Ganey National Client Conference web site for more information.

Press Ganey Associates, Inc. Recognized as a leader in performance improvement for nearly 30 years, Press Ganey partners with more than 10,000 health care organizations globally to create and sustain high performance and improve the overall patient experience. The health care improvement firm offers a suite of solutions that captures the patient voice and identifies targeted improvement opportunities through advanced analytics and strategic advisory services. Press Ganey works with clients from across the continuum of care – hospitals, medical practices, home care agencies and other providers – including 50% of U.S. hospitals. For more information, visit pressganey.com.

Media Contact: Alicia Bandy 617-933-5274 abandy@solomonmccown.com

SOURCE Press Ganey Associates, Inc.