Karin Jay joined GHA in October 2023 as President of Global Strategy where her goals focus on growth of strategic partnerships and expanding the global reach of GHA’s accreditation, certification, and advisory services. Karin is passionate about working with organizations to optimize the experience for medical travelers and their loved ones.
Previously, Karin worked for Planetree International as Senior Vice President, Global Services for over 12 years, where she worked to expand the global network of Planetree Affiliates, and provide consultation to key stakeholders on the implementation of Planetree’s relationship-centered model of care and Person-Centered Care Certification criteria.
Prior to joining Planetree, Karin spent 22+ years working in the accreditation and international quality/patient safety arena with The Joint Commission and Joint Commission International (JCI). During her tenure there, Karin helped expand the footprint of JCI in a variety of capacities, including organizing Regional Advisory Councils in Europe, the Middle East/North–Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. She was also responsible for managing several Joint Commission International long-term projects, such as contracts with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States Peace Corps, and also leading JCI’s work with the World Health Organization as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Patient Safety. Karin continues to collaborate with many of these organizations in her current position with GHA.
On a personal level, Karin’s passion for quality, safety and patient-centered care began at a young age as she spent a lot of time in hospitals when both of her parents and her close childhood friend suffered serious, life-threatening illnesses. Luckily, all three survived. Karin witnessed first-hand different practitioners’ approaches to care, which made her acutely aware of the patient experience..
Karin has been a contributing author on several publications focused on accreditation, person-centered care, and healthcare ethics, and is a sought-after speaker on these topics. Karin has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven.
Karin has served on ISQua’s Advisory Forum on Partnerships with Patients, and The Advisory Board for Person-Centered Care for The Economist Intelligence Unit. Karin currently serves on The Joint Commission’s Patient and Family Advisory Council and is an active volunteer with several non-profit organizations. Karin holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Healthcare Ethics from Loyola University, Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Karin is a Fellow in Person-Centered Care and is yellow belt certified.