About Patricia
Retired Lieutenant General Patricia D. Horoho is a visionary healthcare leader and trailblazer who made history as the first woman and first nurse to serve as the U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command (2011–2015). In this top role, she led the world’s third-largest health care system. A clinical trauma nurse specialist, Patricia spent 33 years in the U.S. Army, leading during pivotal moments in history. She was recognized as a “Nurse Hero” by the Red Cross for her bravery and actions at the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001, attacks. She also provided critical care in disaster situations like the Green Ramp incident in 1994 and served overseas as a special assistant in Afghanistan. Under her leadership, Army Medicine shifted from a disease-focused system to a proactive “system for health,” introducing groundbreaking initiatives in behavioral health and improving care for military women. She received numerous high honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the French National Order of the Legion of Honor. After retiring from the Army in 2016, Patricia continued her service as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Optum Serve, the federal business arm of Optum and UnitedHealth Group. In this role, she has been a national leader in managing large-scale public health efforts, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs.
