Dr. Peter J. Katsufrakis Named to Becker’s Hospital Review Great Leaders in Healthcare 2026
PHILADELPHIA – NBME President and CEO Peter J. Katsufrakis, MD, MBA, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review “Great Leaders in Healthcare 2026,” a national list recognizing executive leaders who are shaping the future of health care through innovation, collaboration and impact.
Dr. Katsufrakis’ leadership is deeply rooted in his background as a family physician and an HIV/AIDS education pioneer. These experiences instilled in him a unique empathy for both the clinician and the patient.
He has served NBME since 2007, becoming CEO in 2017. At NBME, Dr. Katsufrakis has cultivated a culture of transparency and authenticity. Colleagues describe him as a "charismatic and authentic communicator" who does not sugarcoat challenges but instead paints a realistic, optimistic path forward.
Under his leadership, NBME has championed the shift from assessment of learning to assessment for learning. By supporting initiatives like the expansion of formative assessment tools and the new Communication Learning Assessment (CLA), Dr. Katsufrakis has provided medical students and educators with actionable feedback that moves beyond a single score to foster lifelong growth. His leadership in collaborating to modernize the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) program demonstrates his determination to prioritize student well-being and holistic residency selection over traditional metrics.
The Becker’s recognition comes as Dr. Katsufrakis prepares to retire from his role as CEO later this year and return to clinical practice.
“I’m honored to be included among the leaders recognized by Becker’s,” Dr. Katsufrakis said. “I’m proud of the work NBME has advanced with our partners across medical education to help ensure assessment supports a highly effective, diverse and compassionate health care workforce. As I return to clinical practice, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served an organization whose mission is to improve outcomes for patients through the physicians and health professionals who care for them.”
According to Becker’s, “Great Leaders in Healthcare” are proactive changemakers, always looking ahead and striving for better. They are bold, courageous and deeply committed to their causes. Becker’s Healthcare develops their list based on nominations and editorial research.
“Dr. Katsufrakis’ recognition by Becker’s is a testament to the steady, mission-driven leadership he has brought to NBME and to the medical education community,” Reena Karani, MD, MHPE, chair of NBME's Board of Directors said. “Becker’s ‘Great Leaders in Healthcare’ list is widely regarded across the health care leadership community as a meaningful marker of impact and influence. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and are grateful for the lasting advances he has helped drive in support of learners, educators and patients.”
About NBME
NBME is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in the creation of assessments and learning tools for physicians and health professionals. Our mission is to advance assessment of these professionals to achieve optimal care for all, supporting the development of a highly effective, diverse and compassionate health care workforce.
Founded in 1915, NBME develops and manages the United States Medical Licensing Examination® with the Federation of State Medical Boards. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of assessment products for every stage of the medical school journey and provide assessment services to various health profession organizations.