Emily Briton, President
18101 Prince Philip Drive
Olney, MD 20832
301-774-8882
medstarhealth.org
Q What woman inspires you and why?
A My mother has always inspired me, especially with her positivity and determination. She emigrated to the Washington, D.C. area from Southeast Asia just before college. With optimism, grace and grit, she’s reinvented herself several times. A small business owner when I was little, she left the workforce to raise my sister and me. She jumped back in a decade later and became a teacher for almost 20 years. Then, in her 60s, she pursued two lifelong dreams, completing her master’s degree at Georgetown University and opening an award-winning restaurant in D.C.
Q What was a major turning point in your life and/or career?
A When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer at age 5, though I had worked in healthcare for nearly 15 years, I realized I never fully understood the journey our patients and families endure until I went through it personally. That experience drives every decision I make as a hospital president. Our commitment to treating the individual and caring for everyone like family is much more personal now.
Q What are your top priorities?
A Professionally, to build a culture centered around teamwork and dedication to providing a positive experience for our patients. No patient in the greater Olney area should ever have to leave their community for exceptional, safe, compassionate care. At MedStar Montgomery, we provide phenomenal care and are connected with the best health system in the region. In my personal life, I strive to raise my two girls to be kind and compassionate future leaders who make the world better.
Emily Briton joined MedStar Montgomery Medical Center as its first female president in July, previously serving as chief operating officer and senior vice president at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She holds a Master of Health Administration from George Washington University—where she now guest lectures—and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
