Toby Cosgrove

Toby Cosgrove, M.D., is former chief executive officer and president of Cleveland Clinic. Serving from 2004 through 2017, he led the $8 billion organization to new heights of achievement and efficiency, seeing it ranked the number two hospital in America (U.S. News). He currently serves as executive advisor, working with Cleveland Clinic leadership on strategies for national and international growth.

Dr. Cosgrove graduated from Williams College and the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He trained at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brook General Hospital in London. In 1967, he was a surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, earning a Bronze Star.

Dr. Cosgrove joined Cleveland Clinic in 1975 and chaired the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery from 1989 to 2004. He performed more than 22,000 operations and earned an international reputation in valve repair. He holds 30 patents for medical innovations. As chief executive officer from 2004 to 2017, he reorganized services, improved outcomes and patient experience, and strengthened the organization’s finances.

He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. In 2016, he was a Fortune Businessperson of the Year (No. 14). Three successive presidents of the United States have consulted him on healthcare issues.