Cecil C. Cutting, MD was one of the seven founding physicians of TPMG and served as the Medical Group’s first Executive Director from 1957-1976.
With foresight and tenacity, Dr. Cutting was instrumental in overseeing the growth of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program at the conclusion of World War II, when Kaiser Permanente first opened its doors to the public as a commercial health plan. Under his leadership, the Kaiser Research Institute (predecessor to the Division of Research) was founded, intern and residency training programs were established, and KP became a pioneer in exploring the power of computing in medicine.
Dr. Cutting emphasized the importance of day-to-day leadership and management, and in particular the importance of the role of the Chief. He wrote, “...in my opinion the Chief of Service is key to our success as a medical program. It is a most difficult role, balancing the needs of physicians, patients, departments, and the organization. Success will depend on the Chief’s ability to develop meaningful relationships of mutual respect, and physicians’ willingness and ability to work together.” The Cecil C. Cutting Leadership Award recognizes the achievements of physicians who have distinguished themselves as leaders in TPMG.