Partners in Care Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of renowned health care leader and our former Board Member and past honoree, Paul Torrens, M.D.
We were proud to have Dr. Torrens as a long-time member of our Board of Directors from 2006 through 2015. He also was a former member of our Board of Councilors. In 2021, he was recognized with our distinguished “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his legendary mentorship and leadership in the healthcare field. He is only one of two leaders that have received this honor in over twenty years!
Dr. Torrens was a professor emeritus of health policy and management and founder of the Paul Torrens Health Forum at UCLA. He is perhaps best known among his colleagues in the healthcare world for patiently guiding, mentoring, and advising generations of students, helping to shape many distinguished careers in public health.
“Dr. Torrens was treasured as a mentor and guide to hundreds of essential healthcare leaders,” said June Simmons, President, and CEO of Partners. “His impact has been immeasurable.”
Dr. Torrens had an ability to identify, develop and mentor talent. He played an instrumental role in not just the education, but the career development of more individuals in the Southern California healthcare sector than any other individual in the last 30 years.
A physician by training, he enjoyed a long career in both health care management and policy development. As a health care executive, he held numerous executive positions in hospitals and health care organizations and served on the governing boards of Blue Shield of California and PacifiCare Behavioral Health of California. As a health policy expert, Dr. Torrens served in a wide variety of advisory and consulting capacities to governmental and non-governmental organizations in all parts of the United States and in eighteen foreign countries.
Partners’ extends its deepest sympathies to Dr. Torrens’ family and loved ones. We honor his life, his wisdom, compassion, and grace.
