Dr. Ducharme, M.S. ’96, is president of The Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I., and the System Chief Quality Executive for the Lifespan not-for-profit health system. The Miriam Hospital is a founding member of the Lifespan Corporation and a major teaching affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. The Miriam Hospital has expertise in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, urology, bariatrics, men’s health, and minimally invasive surgery, with over 3,300 employees, 1,200 affiliated physicians, 28 physical locations, and a net revenue base of over $520 million. 

In her role, Dr. Ducharme is responsible for developing strategy, facilitating and managing organizational growth and evolution, and implementing transformational and innovative programs for the quality and safety of patient care.  Prior to becoming president in January 2021, she served as the hospital’s senior vice president for patient care services and chief nursing officer for over a decade.  Under her stewardship, The Miriam attained four-year Magnet recognition — considered the gold standard for nursing excellence — six consecutive times, a distinction held by only a few other hospitals in the world.  In 2023, The Miriam Hospital was named by U.S. News & World Report the Top Hospital in R.I. for the 12th year in a row, as well as the Top Hospital in the Providence/New Bedford metro region.  

Dr. Ducharme earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Rhode Island College.  She is a member of the Johnson and Wales University board, the Providence Mutual Fire Insurance board, the Rhode Island Nursing Institute Middle College board, and the RI Commodores.  Dr. Ducharme is a past board member of the RI Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, and past board member and chair of the RI Action Coalition, and the Organization of Nurse Leaders.

Term expires: February 1, 2025