Seattle-based Swedish Health Services tapped R. Guy Hudson, MD, as its permanent CEO. He has been serving as interim CEO of the organization since February.
Dr. Hudson took over after Anthony Armada resigned, soon after state regulators started investigating the Swedish Neuroscience Institute on the Cherry Hill campus in Seattle. Swedish officials stated that Mr. Armada's decision to step down was a personal one.
Dr. Hudson, a pediatric urologic surgeon who provided care at the health system for the past 10 years, served as chief of physician services for Swedish's western Washington before taking on the interim CEO role. He was also previously CMO for Swedish Medical Group and system-wide executive director of pediatrics.
Dr. Hudson is a fellowship-trained surgeon who holds an MBA degree from Seattle-based University of Washington.
Since February, Dr. Hudson has worked closely with the board and staff members to improve communications. He ordered an external review of the system's "safety structure and processes" in response to the state investigation and conducted numerous forums with staff.
"Dr. Hudson is exceptional. He embodies the best of Swedish: putting our patients first, listening to our caregivers, and working collaboratively to address complex health care issues in new and innovative ways," said Teresa Bigelow, chair of Swedish's board of trustees.