Children’s Hospital Los Angeles names leader of new institute | MED MOVES

Aarti Porwal has been named the first executive director of the Chuck Lorre Pediatric Health Education Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Porwal will lead the strategy in the new institute, which is focused on training doctors, nurses and other key professionals. Hollywood producer Chuck Lorre, who created TV comedies “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Mom,” provided a substantial gift to establish the institute.

“I’m so honored to join Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which is nationally recognized as one of the country’s leading academic medical centers,” Porwal said in a statement.

“This new Institute goes beyond just education; it’s about advancing the standards of pediatric care and supporting the people who deliver that care,” she said.

Porwal joins CHLA after spending 15 years at the Stanford University School of Medicine. For the last nine years, she served as managing director of the Stanford Center for Health Education.

Paul S. Viviano, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, said Porwal’s installation is a key step.

“As CHLA celebrates its 125th anniversary, we are looking ahead to the next century of pediatric care and preparing the workforce of tomorrow,” Viviano said in a statement. “Support from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation is instrumental in starting this exciting chapter that will open new opportunities for countless health care professionals.”

Maui Health CEO plans to step down

Lynn Fulton, the chief executive officer of Maui Health, has announced plans to step down from her role May 3.

Fulton has led the system for more than two years, beginning her tenure in January 2024. The system says she is leaving to be closer to her family in Illinois.

Maui Health didn’t announce a successor but said the next steps in the leadership plan will be announced in the coming days. The system operates three hospitals and is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.

“Serving as CEO of Maui Health has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career,” Fulton said in a statement. “I am thankful for the privilege of working with dedicated leaders and Board members to strengthen care for our community, and I am confident the organization will continue to deliver exceptional health care grounded in compassion, dignity, and respect. Mahalo.”

In a news release, the system lauded Fulton for “strengthening quality, safety, culture, and operational performance.”

Bechara Choucair, MD, chair of the Maui Health board of directors, also praised Fulton for the system’s progress.

“We feel confident that Maui Health is well positioned to continue improving access to care for our patients, supporting our clinicians and staff, and ensuring our mission guides the organization for the communities we serve,” Choucair said in a statement.

Rochester Regional Health installs first chief clinical officer

Leslie Wong, MD, holds a new position at Rochester Regional Health.

Wong is the first executive vice President and chief clinical officer of the system which operates nine hospitals in New York state. He began serving in his new role on March 23.

Wong joined Rochester Regional in 2024, initially serving as executive medical director for the medicine service line.

Richard “Chip” Davis, CEO of Rochester Regional Health, praised her credentials.

“Dr. Wong is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of our system and a strong commitment to clinical excellence,” Davis said in a statement. “We are confident in his ability to build on Dr. Mayo’s legacy and lead our clinical teams into the future.”

UF Health appoints chief digital officer

Craig Richardville has been named senior vice president and chief digital and information officer for UF Health.

Richardville will begin in the new role May 1. He will oversee the organization’s strategy for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other key digital priorities.

He previously served as deputy chief information officer at UF Health and brings more than 30 years of experience to his new role.

“I am honored to serve UF Health in this role and to build on the strong digital foundation already in place,” Richardville said in a statement. “Together with our clinical, academic, research and administrative colleagues, we have a tremendous opportunity to responsibly scale digital innovation, advance artificial intelligence and ensure our technology capabilities directly support exceptional patient care, discovery and education.”