Nicholas John Wolter, M.D., passed away on Sept. 7, 2018, in Pray, Montana. Dr. Wolter was a long-time participant in CAPP and a strong proponent of integrated, accountable care on both a national and local level. As CEO at Billings Clinic from 1997 to 2017, he developed a vision to reach superior national performance in patient safety, quality and service and succeeded with a pioneering approach to integrated health care delivery.  During his tenure, the Billings Clinic became the largest healthcare organization in Montana, and a leader in rural health care, early adopter approaches to behavioral and mental health care delivery, and in using complexity concepts to improve safety performance and team performance.

His accomplishments and dedication were recognized by many national awards, including MGMA Physician Executive of the Year, one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare, and one of the most Influential Physicians in Healthcare by Modern Physician. In May 2018, he received the Justin Ford Kimball Innovators Award from the American Hospital Association for his innovative work to establish Billings Clinic as an integrated physician-led, multispecialty group practice focused on patient safety, quality and service.

In addition to his role in CAPP, Dr. Wolter was a national leader in health care policy, serving on the board of the American Hospital Association and the American Medical Group Association, and serving two terms as a commissioner on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC).

We remember and are grateful for Dr. Wolter’s leadership within CAPP for many years, his example of what a physician leader should be, his dedication to patient-centered care, and his kindness and consideration to all.