Since becoming COO in 2018, Mr. Azar has been integral in multiple initiatives to expand patient access, including the March 2024 acquisition of the 260-bed West Hills (Calif.) Hospital and Medical Center. He is now leading a comprehensive evaluation of long-term operational, equipment and staffing needs and development of a strategic plan to optimize the additional capacity of what was renamed UCLA West Valley Medical Center. He previously oversaw the launch of the health system’s first 24/7 patient flow command center and the development of technology to streamline access for patients requiring transfer to UCLA Health. This helped to increase transfer center volume by 36% in the 2023-24 fiscal year and expand access to quaternary care at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Mr. Azar is responsible for patient care support operations at UCLA Health’s five hospitals, totaling almost 1,200 licensed beds.
