Locally based acute care hospital operator Ardent Health Services has promoted David Schultz to president of hospital operations.
Schultz joined the company in 2023, and served as president of Ardent’s New Mexico market before moving to president of hospital operations in an interim capacity in December.
In his new role, he will oversee all of the company’s hospitals — 30 sites in six states — and be responsible for transfer center operations, provider relations and planning and development activities, according to a press release.
“Since joining Ardent a year ago, David has played a key role in enhancing operations and supporting quality care initiatives across the organization,” said Marty Bonick, Ardent president and CEO. “As we position Ardent to continue advancing hospital-based services while dedicating resources to build out needed ancillary services, David’s leadership will be an essential piece to building a people-centered health care ecosystem.”
In November, Ardent was the target of a ransomware attack, which forced the hospital system to divert patients and reschedule some elective procedures.
UCLA purchases HCA hospital
The University of California at Los Angeles has purchased a hospital from Nashville-based hospital giant HCA Healthcare.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed in a release.
The 260-bed hospital and free-standing ambulatory surgery center known as West Hills Hospital and Medical center will be renamed as UCLA West Valley Medical Center.
UCLA is committed to retaining the majority of staff to maintain patient continuity.
“UCLA Health is focused on enhancing timely and equitable access to health care throughout greater Los Angeles, and this acquisition is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts,” said Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System. “We are pleased to welcome West Hills staff members as UCLA Health employees as we work together to serve the community. I thank HCA Healthcare leaders for their efforts in completing this transaction with us.”
VUMC names director Center for Lung Research
Anna Hemnes has been named director of the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, as well as physician-in-chief of the Vanderbilt Lung Institute and director of the Center for Lung Research.
Hemnes succeeds Timothy Blackwell, who left VUMC in March to work for the University of Michigan, according to VUMC News.
A physician-scientist, Hemnes conducts research with a focus centered on pulmonary vascular disease and how insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome impact it. She has been with the division for nearly 18 years, beginning as a research fellow and later as a faculty member before her recent promotion to director.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Hemnes to this new role,” said Jane Freedman, interim chair for the Department of Medicine and physician-in-chief for VUMC. “She has a vision for excellence in education, research and clinical care. Her appointment heralds a new chapter in the division, promising continued growth and innovation under her expert guidance.”
