Some health systems cut positions from their C-suites in 2023; others added to them, creating new positions that reflect the industry's shifting priorities.
A number of revamped roles have come out of academic health systems, which are increasingly focused on integrating their educational and medical arms — especially as the staffing shortage wears on and talent pipelines become a key strategy. In November, Hershey, Pa.-based Penn State Health named its first chief clinical and academic integration officer, and Norman, Okla.-based OU Health named its inaugural chief academic officer. Both executives will ensure integration of system and university activities, from academia, to research, to hospital happenings, according to news releases from the systems.
Some academic systems opted to split existing roles, divvying responsibilities between two executives. Indianapolis-based IU Health eliminated its chief operating officer position to make way for two system senior vice presidents: one of healthcare operations, one of regional operations, working in tandem. Similarly, Lexington, Ky.-based UK HealthCare named co-executive vice presidents for health affairs for the first time in its history. In interviews with Becker's, both systems noted a quicker decision-making process when executives share a role's burden.
C-suites have also been zeroing in on AI, hiring experts to guide them through the tech's gray areas. Sacramento, Calif.-based UC Davis Health and Phoenix-based Mayo Clinic Arizona are among the systems with a dedicated chief AI officer.
"While AI brings forth myriad benefits, it also carries inherent risks," said Bhavik Patel, MD, Mayo Clinic Arizona's chief AI officer. "A CAIO provides the necessary oversight to ensure that the implementation of AI is ethical, responsible and in line with regulatory guidelines."
The new position comes as the industry grapples with the definitions of "AI" and "digital," leading the chief digital officer role to fizzle out in some spaces, Jeffrey Sturman, senior vice president and chief digital officer at Hollywood, Fla.-based Memorial Healthcare System, told Becker's.
Additionally, health systems are taking an increased interest in their environmental impact, particularly at the executive level. Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine named its first sustainability chief, who will guide a "comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship," according to a November news release. It's the same language Renton, Wash.-based Providence used when naming its first medical director of environmental stewardship in April. The system named an anesthesiologist to the role and tasked him with altering care delivery to make it safer for the natural environment.
As birthing units shutter nationwide and maternal mortality becomes a prominent focus, women's health has ascended to the C-suite at multiple health systems. Grand Blanc, Mich.-based McLaren Health Care tapped its inaugural chief medical director of women's health in August, and UChicago Medicine named a chief obstetrical transformation officer in November.
And as some systems enter a growth period — attempting to stay ahead of the competitive curve and keep up with surging demand — they're adding fresh faces to their executive ranks to elevate new ideas. Memphis, Tenn.-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital named Catherine Corbin its inaugural chief business innovation officer to help implement its $12.9 billion strategic plan. Mercy, located in St. Louis, created six new executive roles to oversee individual specialty lines within its rapidly growing enterprise.
Notably, 2023 — marked by new positions, CEO turnover and dissapearing DEI chiefs and COOs — has painted the portrait of a C-suite in flux.