07/13/2026
Dr. Chris Strachan, CMO of the IUH Adult Academic Health Center (AAHC), celebrates 25 years with the department this month! Here are just a few of the things his colleagues have to say about him:
"Chris and I have worked together in leadership for most of our collective careers, and I have always appreciated how he leads with humor, transparency, and direct communication. He has a way of making complex or challenging situations feel manageable, while still being clear and grounded in what needs to be done.
He has also been incredibly supportive of me along the way. Chris has consistently believed in me and taken the time to offer guidance when I needed it. That combination of trust, mentorship, and approachability has made a real difference in my own growth as a leader.
It has truly been a privilege to work alongside him, and this milestone is well deserved." - Dr. Megan Crittendon, Vice President and CMO, IUH North Region
"During his 25 years with IU Emergency Medicine, Chris Strachan has defined what it means to lead through service. Grounded in a steadfast commitment to patients and the people who care for them, Chris has dedicated his career to improving processes, strengthening operations, and fostering collaboration to make our system and department better and more effective. Across a succession of leadership roles — from EMTC Assistant Medical Director to Vice Chair for Clinical Operations, and now as CMO of the AAHC — he has consistently brought vision, integrity, and follow-through.
Chris is a leader who does what he says he will do, who is unafraid to challenge the status quo when it serves a greater purpose, and who remains calm, steady, and approachable even in the most chaotic moments. Nowhere was this more evident than during COVID-19, when his leadership of incident command became the glue that held our 11 emergency departments together. He embodied the guiding principle “The only way out is through, and the only way through is together.”
Beyond his many accomplishments, Chris is a trusted colleague, a steady presence, and a true friend to many. I count myself fortunate to be among them. Congratulations to Chris on reaching this impressive milestone!" - Dr. Megan Palmer, Senior Advisor and Professor of Emergency Medicine, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development
"It's hard to put in words to describe the integrity, strength of character and leadership of Chris Strachan. He does what is right. He lives a life in service to others. He's one whose leadership I have learned much from and strongly recommend as a guide to others. Thank you, Chris for your leadership in emergency medicine, to the school and the health system, and for your friendship." - Dr. Peter Pang, former chair of EM, President of Academic Medicine, IUH Medical Group
