Loma Linda Hospital CEO Named by National Publication

Loma Linda University Medical Center CEO Ruthita J. Fike has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review on its latest list of “100 Non-Profit Hospital, Health System CEOs to Know,” which features some of the top leaders in the non-profit healthcare sector.

Becker’s Hospital Review, a leading publication for the hospital industry that offers up-to-date business and legal news and analysis relating to hospital and health systems, identified the presidents and CEOs from nonprofit hospitals and health systems across the country who showed superior clinical, financial and operational performance.

To be included on the list, the presidents and CEOs must display strong leadership skills through the performance of their facilities, their involvement in organizations such as the American Hospital Association, and their commitment to the community. Health care leaders do not and cannot pay to be included on the list.

“We are very proud of this well-deserved recognition for Ruthita,” said Dr. Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center. “This recognition is not a surprise for us because she has always been a wonderful leader, mentor and friend to everyone at the medical center.”

“I am honored by this recognition, but I think the people who truly deserve this praise are the doctors, nurses, technicians and staff at Loma Linda University Medical Center,” Ms. Fike said. “Together, we strive to support the hospital’s mission of continuing the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”

Ms. Fike has served as CEO and administrator of Loma Linda University Medical Center and executive vice president for hospital affairs at Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center since 2004.

She previously served as executive vice president of operations and support services for Englewood, Colo.-based Centura Health, Colorado’s largest health-care system. She was named by the Denver Business Journal as the 2003 Outstanding Woman in Business, recognizing women’s excellence in business and commerce in the category of healthcare in the Denver metro area.

As CEO and administrator of the 970-bed Loma Linda University Medical Center, Ms. Fike oversees the day-to-day operations of the institution that includes the Medical Center, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda University Behavioral Medical Center, Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus, Loma Linda University Heart and Surgical Hospital, and various signature programs.

In recent years, Ms. Fike has overseen a number of important initiatives at Loma Linda University Medical Center, including: overseeing planning, construction and opening of the new Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta; overseeing the acquisition of Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital; developing relationships and leading in the joint venture with Beaver Medical Group and Redlands Community Hospital to build Highland Springs Medical Plaza in Beaumont; leading a hospital delegation to the White House, upon invitation of President Obama, to share insights on improving health outcomes through faith-based and community partnerships; and championing efforts to improve patient care that has led to recognition by U.S. News & World Report of Loma Linda University Medical Center as the No. 1 Hospital in the Inland Empire.