MED MOVES: HCA Healthcare names CEO of Women’s Hospital of Texas, and more

Jeanna Bamburg has been named chief executive officer of The Women’s Hospital of Texas, HCA Healthcare’s Gulf Coast Division announced.

Jeanna Bamburg

Bamburg will begin in her new role on July 5. The hospital is based in Houston and Bamburg is a Houston native.

She has spent 25 years in HCA Healthcare and has served as the CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast since 2012. Before taking that post, she served as chief operating officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, which was then known as the Bayshore Medical Center.

HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division President Troy Villarreal hailed her leadership qualities in a news release announcing the move.

“Jeanna has demonstrated expertise in improving patient safety and quality, expanding clinical service lines and HCA’s footprint in the community and transforming the hospital’s culture,” Villarreal said in the statement.

“She has dedicated herself to ensuring the hospital is a great place for patients, their families, staff and providers. Her work ethic, talent and natural leadership ability make her a great fit to take the helm at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas.”

Bamburg has been named one of Houston’s Most Admired CEOs and one of Houston’s Breakthrough Women. She recently served as the chairperson of the 2022 March of Dimes March for Babies Houston.

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Peter Hemstead

HCA Florida West Marion Hospital welcomes new CEO

Peter Hemstead has been named the chief executive officer for HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.

Hemstead took the new post June 1. He most recently served as the chief operating officer at Riverside Community Hospital, a HCA Healthcare facility in Riverside, California.

He previously served as the chief operating officer at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. Before taking that role, Hemstead worked for Brandon Regional Hospital as an assistant administrator and was selected to join the HCA Executive Development Program.

Prior to his work in HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division, Hemstead worked at HCA Healthcare in Nashville as director, clinical excellence.

“Our healthcare professionals here in Central Florida are dedicated to creating healthier tomorrows. I look forward to what we will accomplish together at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.”

Before joining HCA Healthcare, Hemstead worked with LifePoint Health.

Hemstead is also a veteran who served in the United States Coast Guard conducting helicopter search and rescue.

Mike Poore

Mosaic Life Care names permanent CEO

Mike Poore has been named the chief executive officer of Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Poore has been serving as interim CEO since March 2022. The system’s board of trustees announced Poore’s elevation on Monday, June 6.

In a statement, Poore said as interim CEO, he “quickly fell in love with Mosaic and the communities we serve.”

“This is a strong system with some of the best physicians, nurses and caregivers I’ve ever witnessed offering amazing care to patients,” Poore said. “Mosaic’s financial stability and the partnerships between communities is unlike anything I’ve experienced. I’ve worked across the country, and this is where I want to be.”

Poore has more spent more than 30 years in the healthcare industry and has been a CEO for more than two decades. He recently served as interim CEO for Fauquier Health in Virginia. He was also the interim CEO for numerous health systems through LifePoint Health.

Serena Naylor, the board’s chairperson, said Poore was a unanimous choice.

“As interim, he quickly became an exceptional leader for our system,” Naylor said in the news release. “Mike has proven results from his decades of CEO hospital experience with his servant-leadership style. We look forward to Mike taking Mosaic to the next level in health care.”

Alan Iftiniuk

Dignity Health hospital president announces plans to retire

Alan Iftiniuk, president and CEO of Dignity Health-French Hospital Medical Center for two decades, said he will step down later this year.

Iftiniuk became president of the hospital in San Luis Obispo, California in 2004. He began working with Dignity Health as a leader in San Francisco in 2001.

Dignity Health credited Iftiniuk with leading a substantial expansion of the medical center’s services and physician recruitment during his tenure. The medical center is in the midst of a transformation project that includes a new hospital, patient tower and heliport.

“I have been fortunate to serve as President and CEO for more than two decades and I am proud of countless accomplishments through the years,” Iftiniuk said in a statement.

“One of the most rewarding successes has come in recent times with the Beyond Health fundraising campaign, aimed to raise $30 million for the new hospital expansion project,” he said. “In total, $17 million has been raised to date, which will serve the community well into the future, ensuring a lasting legacy of our commitment to the health and wellness of the people of San Luis Obispo County.”

A national search for a new CEO is underway. The medical center is a part of Dignity Health’s Southern California Division.

Ruth Kechnie

McLaren Flint names VP, chief nursing officer

Ruth Kechnie, has been named vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at McLaren Flint in Flint, Michigan.

Kechnie brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role. She began her career as a clinical nurse and eventually moved into leadership positions with increasing responsibility.

"McLaren Flint is a recognized leader in the community, one providing exceptional health care with quality outcomes,” Kechnie said in a statement. “It is an honor to join a team that has this level of commitment to our patients. I look forward to working with hospital and nursing leadership and the dedicated caregivers serving at the bedside.”

The system said Kechnie will focus on quality outcomes, ensuring a safe environment, and creating a patient-focused atmosphere.

Chris Candela, McLaren Flint president and CEO, said he is excited to see Kechnie take on the new role.

“Her passion for nursing and fostering an environment that focuses on excellence in quality patient care and exceptional patient satisfaction is evident to all who interact with her,” Candela said. “She is an advocate for the nursing profession and supporting staff at a time when nursing is more critical than ever.”