Rae Vagg

ColumbiaDoctors chief operating officer Rae Vagg oversees and manages all aspects of the faculty practice’s ambulatory clinical locations. She is responsible for implementing strategic initiatives to advance the clinical mission.

Vagg has an extensive track record of leadership in health care organizations, a list that includes the Columbia Department of Radiology where she steered the department during an era marked by sharp growth, efficiency, and high levels of patient satisfaction.

As COO, Vagg works with ColumbiaDoctors’ CEO and clinical department chairs and administrators to collaborate on all aspects of our extensive ambulatory clinical operations, including regional practice operations and program development, patient access and experience, quality and patient safety, people and organizational development, facilities and space planning, and administrative operations. 

She plays a primary role in setting strategic direction for all operations with clearly defined expectations for ColumbiaDoctors in a highly competitive and complex health care environment.

Vagg works closely with administrative peers and key physician leaders at the university, in addition to the leadership of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and its growing set of affiliates. She has established herself as a trusted collaborator in key initiatives and strategies to improve the quality and level of services provided to our patients.

After taking the lead in Columbia Radiology in 2009, Vagg planned and executed regional expansion initiatives, oversaw an expansive operations, honed recruitment and retention strategies to attract and keep the best talent. She was instrumental in the creation of the Radiology Joint Venture between CUIMC and NYP, which brought state-of-the-art radiology services to patients at our multispecialty locations – all while improving the experience for patients throughout the organization.

Before arriving at Columbia, Vagg held senior positions at other health systems in New York City. She has a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University.