MED MOVES: Lankenau Medical Center president is retiring, and more

Phillip Robinson, the president of Lankenau Medical Center for the past 12 years, has announced his plans to retire.

Phillip Robinson

The medical center, a 371-bed teaching and research hospital, is one of five hospitals in the Main Line Health system in the Philadelphia region. Robinson announced his retirement plans March 15. He plans to continue serving as president until a successor is named.

Jack Lynch, president and CEO of Main Line Health, said Robinson leaves a great legacy.

“His leadership and commitment to Main Line Health are unparalleled, and he leaves Lankenau positioned to continue providing the highest level of care for years to come due to his recruitment of countless world-renowned physicians,” Lynch said in a statement. “He is a beloved figure here, not just because of his qualities as an executive but because he genuinely cares about his team, the community and making sure our patients receive the best care.”

Robinson, a native of Texas, said he initially planned to serve as an interim president in 2010, until some top surgeons implored him to serve as more than a temporary leader.

“I couldn’t say no and I’m glad I stayed,” Robinson said in a statement.

“It’s been a privilege to work with our dedicated, inspiring group of clinicians, nurses, researchers, advanced practice providers, technologists and staff members," he said. "They are wonderful, caring people, and just when I thought I had seen them at their best, I saw them rise to the challenge these last two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have never been prouder.”

He led a $500 million renovation project at Lankenau. The Lankenau Heart Institute, launched in 2013, has more than doubled its volume of cardiovascular surgery. He also oversaw the expansion of the emergency department and helped. And he was credited for his work in fundraising.

Aurelio Fernandez

Memorial Healthcare System CEO says he’s retiring

Aurelio M. Fernandez III, who has served as the CEO of the Memorial Healthcare System in Florida for six years, says he is stepping down.

Fernandez says he plans to retire at the end of April 2022.

He has been with the non-profit system in Broward County for more than 15 years, first as CEO of Memorial Hospital Miramar and later was promoted to chief operating officer of the entire system. He has worked in the healthcare industry for 45 years.

“My tenure as president and CEO has been the most rewarding time of my career,” Fernandez said in a statement. “Memorial has a great culture and I’m very proud of the work our employees do every day for patients and the community.”

In a news release, the system said Fernandez’s accomplishments include the construction of a new cancer institute, the expansion of the Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital, and other projects to expand the reach of the system.

Megan Cool Amalakuhan

Methodist Hospital in San Antonio names new COO

Megan Cool Amalakuhan has been named the new chief operating officer of Methodist Hospital Metropolitan in San Antonio. Her first day as COO will be March 21.

Amalakuhan has more than 17 years of experience in healthcare. She previously served as COO at Methodist Hospital Texsan, and held other leadership roles at the hospital.

“It’s a privilege to be joining an organization that has such a strong reputation for exceptional patient outcomes and focuses on growing with the community to meet their needs,” she said in a statement. “I will do my best to serve by helping enable our leaders and team members to fulfill their passion to make a difference.”

At Methodist Hospital Texsan, she was credited with helping expand orthopedic and cardiovascular services.

James Burroughs II

Children’s Minnesota promotes leader to senior VP

James C. Burroughs II has been named Children’s Minnesota’s senior vice president, government and community relations, chief equity and inclusion officer.

Burroughs adds advocacy, government affairs and community relations to his responsibilities.

Burroughs has served as vice president, chief equity and inclusion officer since 2020, and previously as senior director, chief equity and inclusion officer since 2019. He has been credited with expanding the organization’s diversity and being a leader for health equity.

“As the kid experts, Children’s Minnesota is uniquely poised to advocate for issues critical to the health and wellness of generations to come,” Burroughs said in a statement.

“I look forward to not only continuing to advance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Children’s Minnesota but also accelerating our work and impact in the communities we serve so that we can create a better future for all of Minnesota’s kids.”

Before joining Children’s Minnesota, Burroughs served as the state of Minnesota’s first chief inclusion officer.

Jared Antczak

Sanford Health hires digital officer

Jared Antczak has been named the first chief digital officer of Sanford Health in South Dakota.

Sanford Health said it is hoping to become the top rural health system in the United States, and it expects Antczak will play a key role by accelerating digital tools. The system just launched a virtual care initiative, supported by a $350 million contribution from philanthropist Denny Sanford.

“Sanford Health’s ambitious vision for virtual care is unmatched, and their commitment to patients, people, and communities resonates with my core values,” Antczak said in a statement.

“I am fortunate to have a career doing something I am passionate about, and am thrilled to join Sanford on this journey as we continue to innovate and transform health care together.”

Previously, Antczak served as vice president and head of digital product at Highmark Health in Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he held digital leadership positions at Intermountain Healthcare and Atrium Health.