Elizabeth Acord: 40 Under 40 2024

Elizabeth Acord grew up in housing for medical residents at the hospital where her father practiced obstetrics and gynecology. She would go on patient rounds with him before she went to school. That experience instilled in her a commitment to do work that helps the community, said Acord, who now works at Fountain Valley, California-based MemorialCare. “I like to think I was born into healthcare,” she said. “Everything about being in a hospital, babies being born and healthcare felt like magic to me.” Meet the 40 Under 40 class of 2024 See which young leaders made list. CLICK HERE Prior to MemorialCare, Acord was executive director of Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles and vice president of oncology patient services at Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s Western Regional Medical Center in Arizona. In her current role overseeing cancer clinical integration, daily tasks can range from working on budgets and capital expenditures to patient rounds and reviewing patient experience and volume data. Last year, Acord helped launch a pilot program that aims to keep track of patients’ sleeping habits, pain levels and nutrition. That information helps clinicians improve diagnoses and treatments, she said. Another childhood experience helped Acord appreciate the importance of “whole-person” care when her mom’s best friend, Jane, was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. Her mom would take Acord out of school to go on adventures with Jane, helping her find joy in life, Acord said. “That inspires you to make the most out of every moment,” she said. “In the world of cancer treatment, you’re reminded of that every day.” —Alex Kacik