UNC Health’s new CEO has ‘sense of purpose’ | MED MOVES

After serving in an interim capacity since July, Dr. Cristy Page has been named the chief executive officer of UNC Health and dean of the UNC School of Medicine.

Page took the post Nov. 24 and now leads a health system with 20 hospitals and about 56,000 employees. She will also serve as vice chancellor for medical affairs at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Page said it’s a “tremendous honor” to lead UNC Health, even as she acknowledged that it’s one of the most trying periods for academic health systems.

“I’m delighted to serve and lead our great team to fulfill our purpose and mission to the people of North Carolina,” Page said in a statement.

Page is a professor of family medicine and joined the faculty in 2005. She has served as president of UNC Health Enterprises and chief academic officer at the medical school and at UNC Health.

Peter Hans, president of the University of North Carolina, says Page has tackled every role with “a clear sense of purpose.”

“She is the kind of leader who builds trust by earning it and who reminds us that the heart of health care is public service to others,” Hans said in a statement.

Lee H. Roberts, chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, described Page as “an inspirational leader and a remarkable health care provider.”

“She is exceptionally qualified to guide UNC Health’s continued growth and advance its mission of saving lives across our state,” Roberts said in a statement.

CommonSpirit Health names region president

Julie Manas has been named the new president of CommonSpirit Health’s Northwest Region.

Manas will lead a region with 12 hospitals and 284 outpatient centers across Washington and Oregon. She begins her new role Jan. 2.

"I am deeply committed to the organization's mission of building healthier communities and providing compassionate, high-quality care,” Manas said in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented team members, physicians, and community partners to further advance the region’s strategic priorities and deliver exceptional outcomes for our patients.”

She brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership, including time in faith-based health systems. CommonSpirit cited her experience in helping improve financial performance and adding service lines.

Most recently, Manas served as division president for Quorum Health Corporation, where she oversaw 12 hospitals in nine states. Previously, she was region president for Ascension Indiana, overseeing seven hospitals and multiple outpatient sites for Ascension St. Vincent.

Terika Richardson, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer for CommonSpirit Health, called Manas a “visionary leader whose deep experience and profound commitment to patient care align perfectly with CommonSpirit’s mission.”

"Her proven track record of driving strategic growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of quality and safety will be invaluable in leading our Northwest Region in continually meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the communities we serve,” Richardson said in a statement.

Sutter Health names hospital leader

Michelle Oxford has been named chief executive officer of Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital.

She begins in the new role on Dec. 1. Sutter Health said she will serve as a dyad partner to chief medical executive Dr. Karin Shavelson.

“I’m thrilled to join Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital,” Oxford said in a statement. “Our goal is to make SSRRH a great place to work and practice medicine, a trusted place for patients to receive care, and to keep expanding the high-quality services our community needs. Together, we’ll build on SSRRH’s strong foundation and shape the future of care for all we serve.”

Oxford has more than 20 years of health system leadership experience. Most recently, she served as chief administrative officer for Providence’s Northern California region. She also previously served as president and CEO of Bakersfield Heart Hospital.

Christina Oh, president of Sutter’s Greater San Francisco and East Bay Division, said Oxford’s leadership reflects “transparency, collaboration and an unwavering focus on quality.”

“Her track record of building strong teams and delivering patient-centered care will be invaluable as Sutter Santa Rosa continues to grow and meet the healthcare needs of the Sonoma County community,” Oh said in a statement.

Dignity Health appoints hospital president

Brian Smolskis has been named the president and CEO of California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Smolskis will begin in his new role on Dec. 8. Dignity Health, which is part of CommonSpirit Health, said Smolskis brings more than 20 decades of experience in urban hospitals.

"I am honored to join California Hospital Medical Center, an institution with a rich history and a profound commitment to the health and well-being of Downtown Los Angeles," Smolskis said in a statement.

"I look forward to working alongside the dedicated physicians, nurses, caregivers, and community partners to build upon CHMC’s legacy, embrace innovation, and ensure that every patient receives the personalized care and humankindness they deserve."

Smolskis comes to the medical center from PIH Health, where he served as chief operating officer for multiple acute care hospitals and as president of PIH Health Physicians.

Jill Welton, president of Dignity Health’s Southern California market, lauded Smolskis’ record of success.

"His extensive understanding of hospital operations, coupled with his financial prowess and steadfast dedication to community health, perfectly aligns with our commitment to humankindness and delivering exceptional care in Downtown LA,” Welton said in a statement.