MemorialCare’s new CEO takes the reins: MED MOVES

For the first time in more than two decades, MemorialCare has a new chief executive officer leading the California-based system.

Dr. David Kim took over as president and CEO on July 1, succeeding Barry Arbuckle, who led the system for 24 years. Arbuckle continues to serve as executive chairman of the system.

MemorialCare operates four hospitals and more than 200 sites of care in Los Angeles and Orange counties. MemorialCare announced the leadership change was coming in late April.

In a LinkedIn post, Kim said he was focused on delivering patient-centered care, fostering collaboration and establishing “a loving, human-centered culture of leadership.”

“These principles reflect what we believe healthcare should be—deeply connected to the communities we serve, driven by continuous improvement and focused on outcomes that matter most to patients,” Kim wrote. “I believe that by working together—with our clinicians, care teams, community partners, and peers across the industry—we can help redefine what high-performing, compassionate healthcare looks like.”

Kim praised Arbuckle for his many years of service and leadership and said the system is fortunate that the longtime CEO will continue to serve as executive chairman.

“As I begin this next chapter, I’m excited about the opportunity ahead—not just for MemorialCare, but for the patients and communities who depend on all of us to move healthcare forward,” Kim said.

Lifepoint Health names new president

Aaron Lewis has been elevated to the role of president and chief operating officer of Lifepoint Health.

Lewis has been with Lifepoint since 2018 and began serving as the health system’s chief financial officer in 2024. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifepoint operates 68 hospital campuses in 34 states.

“I look forward to continuing to serve Lifepoint in this new role,” said Lewis. “I am excited to work even more closely with our operations teams to drive innovations in care delivery, further enhance access to care and explore new opportunities to strengthen and grow how we serve our communities nationwide.”

David Dill, chairman and CEO of Lifepoint Health, said Lewis has been a key contributor to the system’s growth.

“He has a keen understanding of our company and its opportunities, and we are excited to see him step into this new role and expand how he works with our teams across the nation as we position ourselves for the future,” Dill said in a statement.

Before joining Lifepoint, Lewis worked in investment banking at Merrill Lynch, and he held several leadership roles at RCCH HealthCare Partners and Vanguard Health Systems.

Lewis succeeds Jason Zachariah, who served as chief operating officer before leaving Lifepoint in June.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia plans to retire, successor named

After serving as CEO of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for 11 years, Madeline Bell has announced her plans to retire.

Bell will step down Oct. 1 as CEO of the institution known as “CHOP” in the Philadelphia area. Dr. Joseph “Joe” Mitchell will succeed Bell as CEO; he currently serves as president of the pediatric hospital.

“Serving CHOP has been the honor of a lifetime,” Bell said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of how far this organization has come — and even more confident in where it is headed. Joe is a mission-driven leader with a deep commitment to children and families, and I know CHOP will continue to thrive under his leadership.”

Bell has spent nearly 40 years with the pediatric hospital. The hospital said the succession plan has been in the works for some time, with Bell informing the board of her retirement timetable in 2024.

Before joining CHOP, Mitchell served as executive vice president at Boston Children’s Hospital and president of Franciscan Children’s, a specialty hospital. He also spent 14 years at McKinsey & Company.

“CHOP is one of the most remarkable institutions in healthcare, with a mission that truly transforms lives,” Mitchell said in a statement. “It is a privilege to build on this legacy alongside an exceptional team.”

Brown University Health names president of two hospitals

Julie Abilheira has been named the president of Brown University Health’s Massachusetts hospitals.

In her new role, Abilheira will oversee Morton Hospital in Taunton and Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River. The health system says the move reflects Brown University Health’s plans to expand care in southeastern Massachusetts. The system is based in Providence, Rhode Island.

Abilheira said she is looking forward to leading two “vibrant and vital community hospitals.”

“I have been incredibly impressed by the talent, compassion, and dedication of the physicians and staff at both hospitals,” Abilheira said in a statement. “Their commitment to the patients and families they serve is truly unmatched, and I look forward to supporting them as we continue to build on the strong foundations already in place throughout our communities.”

Brown also said Heidi Taylor will serve as chief operations officer and chief financial officer for both Massachusetts hospitals. The system said Abilheira and Taylor will work to improve operations and ensure the long-term stability of the hospitals.