Summary: COLA appointed Lynn Jeffers, MD, MBA, to its board of directors, bringing her extensive leadership experience in healthcare to support COLA’s mission of enhancing lab services nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Jeffers’ leadership roles in AMA and ASPS and her extensive medical background will benefit COLA’s mission to improve healthcare quality.
  2. As Chief Medical Officer and medical director in Southern California, Jeffers is recognized for her contributions to healthcare and leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. Her appointment reinforces COLA’s commitment to promoting excellence in laboratory practices through education and accreditation.

COLA, a national laboratory accreditation organization committed to promoting healthcare quality through accreditation and education, announced the appointment of Lynn Jeffers, MD, MBA, to its board of directors.

COLA’s New Board Member

Jeffers’ history of leadership in medicine and her innovative contributions to healthcare will help advance COLA’s mission of supporting excellence in laboratory practices, according to the organization.

Jeffers was elected to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees in June 2024. She is a past chair of both the AMA Council on Medical Service and the AMA Section on Plastic Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery. She also served as president and remains a trustee of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Practicing in Southern California, Jeffers currently holds the role of chief medical officer at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo. She also serves as the medical director of St. John’s Integrated Breast Center and runs a private practice as a plastic surgeon.

With over 30 years of experience in organized medicine, Jeffers has held numerous leadership positions at county, state, and national levels. She has been recognized for her mentorship, research, and contributions to healthcare, receiving several prestigious awards including the AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Leadership Award and the ASPS Presidents’ Award. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was acknowledged by the White House and the U.S. surgeon general for sourcing millions of masks for hospitals in need.

“Dr. Jeffers’ proven leadership and dedication to advancing healthcare align perfectly with COLA’s mission. Her wealth of experience and forward-thinking approach will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the quality of laboratory services nationwide,” says Nancy Stratton, CEO of COLA.

Educational Background

Jeffers earned her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where she completed her integrated plastic surgery residency. In 2019, she returned to Michigan to earn her MBA from the Ross School of Business. She is also deeply involved in mentoring programs and serves on national panels focusing on leadership, health policy and technology innovation in healthcare.

Featured image: Lynn Jeffers, MD, MBA. Photo: COLA