Virgin Islands Native Tina Comissiong Named One Of 40 Under 40’s 2018 Leaders In Health

ST. THOMAS — The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) has recognized Virgin Islands native Tina Comissiong, above, as a leader in minority health, the Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC) made known on Thursday. According to NMQF President & CEO Dr. Gary Puckrein “The 2018 winners are doing amazing things that both better and diversify the healthcare marketplace. They serve as positive role models for our next generation of leaders in minority health.”

Ms. Comissiong, who serves as legal counsel and chief compliance officer at SRMC is one of forty persons from around the country who have been named to this year’s list.

After reviewing hundreds of nominees across the country, the forty selected represent the next generation of thought leaders in reducing health disparities.  All those selected are under the age of 40, the hospital said.

“We are extremely proud of Tina and the quality of work she produces for the Schneider Regional Medical Center” said SRMC CEO Bernard Wheatley.  “Her recognition is not only an honor for her, but for our entire community.”

Ms. Comissiong grew up on St. Thomas, where both sides of her family have been rooted for generations. After graduating from the All Saints Cathedral School, Tina went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Duke University in 2000, a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Health Policy & Management from New York University in 2007, and her Juris Doctorate from Howard University in 2014.

Ms. Comissiong is a member of the Maryland State Bar (June 2015) and a member of the U.S. Virgin Islands Bar (November 2015).  She received exceptional performance ratings while participating in a two-year Post Graduate Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health – Clinical Center.

She joined the SRMC team in January 2015 and brings several years of experience in health care policy, contract management, and health services administration to the SRMC healthcare system. Before joining SRMC, she worked as an Administrative Officer at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Ms. Comissiong also worked for the United States Sentencing Commission and at a private law firm.

In September 2017 Tina served as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Regional during both Category 5+ Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Active in her community, Ms. Comissiong is the President of the PTSA for her daughter’s school and a Deacon on the Governing Board of her church. Tina is regularly involved in coordinating and participating in community building and philanthropic activities.

“The healthcare field is both exciting and challenging. It is a field that touches the lives of everyone in our community. It is so important that our healthcare system for all in our community” Ms. Comissiong said. “Being an advocate is such an important part of what I do. To have my work recognized is both an honor and a humbling experience.”

“I am excited to meet this year’s 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health at the CBC Spring Health Braintrust,” said Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Chair Dr. Robin Kelly.  “Our country needs new leaders to fulfill the dream of eliminating health disparities in a generation.  Fresh ideas and new approaches are needed to decrease health inequalities for minority communities currently suffering from poor access to quality healthcare.”

40 Under 40 recipients will receive their award at the 2018 NMQF Leadership Summit on Health Disparities Gala Dinner on April 17 in Washington, DC.