HCA Midwest hospital gets new CEO, and more | MED MOVES

Patrick Rafferty has been named the new chief executive officer of Centerpoint Medical Center, a 285-bed hospital in Independence, Missouri.

Patrick Rafferty

The hospital is part of HCA Midwest Health. Previously, Rafferty served as chief operating officer at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

“Centerpoint has a proud legacy of delivering compassionate, high-quality care, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to build on that strong foundation,” Rafferty said in a statement. “I look forward to working closely with our physicians, nurses, staff, and our community to expand access, enhance the patient experience, and deepen our impact on the health and well-being of the regions we serve.”

Keith Zimmerman, president of HCA Midwest Health, praised Rafferty’s “deep operational experience and commitment to excellence.”

“His collaborative approach and proven success in expanding services and strengthening engagement will support Centerpoint’s continued growth and mission of delivering high-quality, accessible care to Eastern Jackson County,” Zimmerman said in a statement.

Katie Galbraith

Beth Israel Lahey Health appoints new hospital president

Katie Galbraith has been named president of New England Baptist Hospital, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health.

Galbraith is serving as the Rosenberg Family President of New England Baptist. The post has been renamed in honor of the Rosenberg family’s generosity to the hospital.

Galbraith succeeds David Passafaro, who led the hospital for seven years before his retirement this summer.

Most recently, she served as president of Lankenau Medical Center, part of Main Line Health in the Philadelphia area. She previously served as president of Duke Regional Hospital for nine years.

For Galbraith, joining New England Baptist Hospital represents a bit of a homecoming.

“I was raised locally and am excited to return to my home state to serve the patients of New England Baptist Hospital,” Galbraith said in a statement. “The Baptist has a well-earned reputation as one of the best orthopedic hospitals in the country, and I look forward to stewarding our compassionate and dedicated clinicians and staff as they continue to provide excellent care.”

Jeff Krawcek, MD

Kaiser Permanente appoints leader of KP Medical Foundation

Jeff Krawcek, MD, has been named executive vice president and chief executive officer for the KP Medical Foundation.

Krawcek will begin serving in the post Sept. 10. Kaiser Permanente announced the appointment Aug. 20.

He will work with Permanente Medical Groups to support ambulatory care services in Colorado and Washington state.

Greg A. Adams, chair and chief executive officer of Kaiser Permanente, said Krawcek helped create the KP Medical Foundation model in 2022.

“It is fitting that his inspired leadership will guide the KP Medical Foundation into the future,” Adams said in a statement. “Jeff’s collaborative style and his capacity to lean in on a range of business topics is one of the key reasons our model has been successful in Colorado.”

Krawcek has served as president and executive medical director of the Colorado Permanente Medical Group since 2021, overseeing more than 1,200 doctors.

Jennifer Pugh

Texas Children’s Hospital names campus nurse leader

Jennifer Pugh has been named the nurse executive of Texas Children’s Hospital’s North Austin Campus.

Pugh brings with her over 15 years of experience as a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner. She also has more than a decade of executive experience.

Previously, she served as associate chief nursing officer and executive director at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Dr. Jackie Ward, the system’s chief nurse executive and senior vice president at Texas Children’s Hospital, praised Pugh’s credentials.

“Pugh is a passionate and highly skilled leader with a long and distinguished track record of outstanding nursing care,” Ward said in a statement. “We are confident she will help us remain at the forefront of nursing excellence in the city of Austin, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”