Management

Cerner CEO Neil Patterson Dies at 67

The passing of the co-founder and health IT visionary has produced an outpouring of condolences from the health technology community.

Juliet Van Wagenen

Juliet is the senior web editor for BizTech and HealthTech magazines. In her six years as a journalist she has covered everything from aerospace to indie music reviews — but she is unfailingly partial to covering technology.

Neil Patterson, CEO, chairman and co-founder of health IT company Cerner died on July 9 due to “unexpected complications that arose after a recent recurrence of a previously disclosed cancer,” the company said in a press release.

With sadness, we share the passing of CEO, Chairman and Co-Founder Neal Patterson. Remembrances: memories@cerner.com https://t.co/LxdjpkfqZa pic.twitter.com/qpMHERehZt

— Cerner (@Cerner) July 9, 2017

The Kansas City, Mo.-based company is largely credited with shaping adoption and transmission of electronic health records throughout its 38 years. Acknowledged as visionary in the health IT field, Patterson’s passing has producing an outpouring of condolences from the health technology industry.

Saddened by the news of Cerner CEO Neal Patterson's passing. He was a giant in our shared mission to improve health care.

— Allscripts (@Allscripts) July 9, 2017

Grateful for what he taught me, opportunities provided & challenging us all to do better for #Healthcare @Cerner https://t.co/XX5A9Q9e4f

— Tom Herzog (@tomherzog) July 9, 2017

Heartbroken to hear the news of Neal Patterson's passing. He was a giant. I'm privileged to have worked on his incredible vision.

— Robin (@McCleanR) July 9, 2017

“We are forever grateful to Neal for four decades of leadership and tireless dedication to driving innovation in healthcare. Neal impacted the lives of millions through his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. One thing we all have in common is how we have been touched by his passion and commitment to transform the health care industry,” Cerner said on a memorial page for the late CEO. The page encourages those in the community to share messages of how Patterson and his passion for the healthcare industry touched their lives.

Cerner named Cliff Illig, the company’s co-founder and vice chairman of the board, as the chairman and interim CEO.

“This is a profound loss. Neal and I have been partners and collaborators for nearly 40 years, and friends for longer than that,” Illig said. “Neal loved waking up every morning at the intersection of healthcare and IT. His entrepreneurial passion for using IT as a lever to eliminate error, variance, delay, waste and friction changed our industry."