CHICAGO, IL, October 1, 2025 – The National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) is proud to announce that Ruth Frey, MSN, CPNP, executive advisor for the Global Medicine Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 NCHL International Healthcare Leadership Award.
The NCHL International Healthcare Leadership Award recognizes leaders whose commitment, values, and contributions have significantly and positively impacted the provision of healthcare across international borders. Ms. Frey is honored for her visionary leadership in building sustainable, cross-border partnerships in pediatric medicine.
“Ruth Frey’s work exemplifies the heart of this award, advancing healthcare beyond borders while strengthening local systems,” said Jill Schwieters, chair of the NCHL Board of Directors. “Her leadership has created long-lasting, meaningful impact for children and families around the globe by sharing CHOP’s world-class expertise and empowering local clinicians to build and sustain high-quality pediatric care.”
Ms. Frey has been instrumental in shaping innovative business models that turn global opportunities into enduring healthcare infrastructure. Under Ms. Frey’s leadership, CHOP’s Global Medicine Program has launched impactful programs with partners in numerous countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and more.
CHOP’s Global Medicine Program is well known for providing complex care to international patients who travel to Philadelphia from around the world. Under Ms. Frey’s leadership, the Global Medicine Program has continued to elevate this reputation for excellence as well as prioritized knowledge exchange, training, research, and more with international partners. Under her guidance, CHOP will continue to expand access to expert treatment and advanced precision medicine in international settings where such care was previously unavailable.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 NCHL International Healthcare Leadership Award,” said Ruth Frey. “This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of countless colleagues and partners worldwide who share a commitment to improving children’s health. Together, we have built models that both treat children today and ensure stronger systems of care for generations to come.”
CHOP, founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital, is a global leader in advancing healthcare for children. With a long-standing reputation for excellence in clinical care, research, education, and advocacy, CHOP continues to transform pediatric health worldwide through innovative programs; groundbreaking discoveries; and international collaborations.
Ms. Frey will be formally presented with the award during the NCHL’s 2025 Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award Celebration on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Chicago.
Ms. Frey is a graduate of Villanova University’s Fitzpatrick College of Nursing and holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a pediatric nurse practitioner from the University of Pennsylvania. She currently serves on the board of advisors for the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University.
In addition to honoring Ms. Frey with the International Healthcare Leadership Award, NCHL will also present the 2025 Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award to Mr. Brian Gragnolati, immediate past president and chief executive officer of Atlantic Health at the celebration. NCHL invites all those who wish to celebrate these achievements to join us for this special evening.
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For more information about this release, contact:
Jarrett Fowler (jfowler@nchl.org)
Senior Director, Strategic and International Initiatives
National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL)