Behavioral Health Network is proud to celebrate Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director of Substance Use Disorders, on being named a 2026 Healthcare Hero by BusinessWest. 

A nationally recognized leader in addiction medicine, Dr. Potee has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for individuals living with substance use disorders while transforming the way addiction treatment is understood and delivered. 

As highlighted in the Healthcare Heroes feature, Dr. Potee has spent years breaking down barriers to care, expanding access to treatment, and advancing evidence-based approaches that treat addiction as a medical condition. Her work has helped reshape conversations around substance use disorders and reduce the stigma that too often prevents people from seeking help. 

Since joining BHN, Dr. Potee has helped oversee the growth and development of a comprehensive continuum of substance use disorder treatment services, including outpatient programs, residential treatment, recovery supports, and innovative models of care. Her leadership has also been instrumental in training healthcare professionals across Massachusetts and the nation, helping providers better understand addiction and deliver compassionate, effective care. 

Beyond her impact in the field, Dr. Potee is a respected leader, mentor, and colleague who is deeply admired throughout BHN. Known for her expertise, compassion, and willingness to support others, she has inspired and guided countless staff members while helping shape a culture of learning, innovation, and person-centered care. 

Among the accomplishments highlighted in the article is Dr. Potee's role in launching Massachusetts' first fully integrated methadone clinic within a primary care practice. This innovative model allows patients to receive addiction treatment alongside their medical care, reducing barriers and supporting whole-person wellness. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Potee has remained focused on a simple but powerful mission: ensuring that people struggling with substance use disorders have access to the care they need, when and where they need it. 

This recognition reflects not only Dr. Potee's expertise and accomplishments but also her unwavering commitment to the individuals, families, and communities impacted by addiction and the colleagues she mentors and inspires every day. 

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for the extraordinary difference Dr. Potee continues to make across BHN, our communities, and the field of addiction medicine.