Hospital executives have been on the move a lot recently: In 2012, CEO turnover rates in the hospital sector reached 17 percent, near a record high, according to analysis by Phillips, DiPisa & Associates. The high rate of turnover means many hospitals are searching for a new leader at any given time — and competing with each other for top talent in the process.
When executives consider an offer to lead a new hospital or health system, they must consider a multitude of factors before signing on and stepping down from their current positions. Here, four hospital and health system CEOs who have started new jobs in the past 12 months weigh in on what ultimately attracted them to their current position.
Akram Boutros, MD. President and CEO of The MetroHealth System (Cleveland): I would say three things: the mission of the organization, the people and the culture.
MetroHealth, for 175 years, has been focused on taking care of the most vulnerable in the city. Not only those who can’t afford care, but those patients who are in dire of care. If you look at the physicians and nurses here, they are some of the nation's finest. Their work ethic and skills are incredible, and the staff is really used to treating the worst health concerns you could imagine. MetroHealth is a national leader in patient-centered medical homes as well as meaningful use and electronic medical records.
Sonia Mehta, MD, MBA. CEO and CMO of Loretto Hospital (Chicago): It's no secret that Loretto Hospital has faced multiple challenges over the past few years. However, I didn't just see the challenges; I realized that there was a lot of potential opportunities at this institution. I wanted to be the catalyst and a part of the positive change and success of the hospital going forward. I couldn't miss out on that opportunity. That was one of the biggest reasons I pursued this opportunity.
Ninfa Saunders, DHA, MBA, MSN. President and CEO of Central Georgia Health System and the Medical Center of Central Georgia (Macon): MCCG has a reputation for clinical excellence, commitment to quality and safety and an interest in innovation. It was also evident from the onset that the people here have a pervasive desire to serve their community by providing clinical services of outstanding quality, therefore improving the lives of each person who seeks care at MCCG.
On a personal note, Georgia is my home state. My family and I are thrilled to return home!
Nathan Tudor. CEO of Beauregard Memorial Hospital (DeRidder, La.): I saw it as a great career opportunity for myself and a tremendous opportunity for an expansion of services at Beauregard. But, the people here were the main attraction. I have a great board of directors and great physicians and staff here. We have exceptional healthcare professionals who have compassion for people. They love taking care of patients; they really love working at the hospital and being involved in the community.
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