New chief executive named for Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center

Michael A. Rembis will be the new chief executive of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, according to an announcement from the hospital Monday.

Rembis, 58, will take his new role in mid-September. He leaves his post as president and chief executive of Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, where he oversaw a range of specialty programs similar to those at Providence Saint Joseph.

Rembis replaces Barry Wolfman, who left the Burbank hospital earlier this year to return to his alma mater, George Washington University, where he is the medical center’s top administrator.

After conducting a national executive search, it was “evident immediately” that Rembis’ expertise matched the hospital’s goals, said Kerry Carmody, chief operating officer for Providence Health & Services, Southern California, in a written statement.

“His experience in advancing such specialties as cardiology, neonatal intensive care and orthopedics will enhance our ongoing efforts to expand our specialties and continue to bring top healthcare programs to the San Fernando Valley,” said Carmody, who is serving as the hospital’s interim chief executive.

This is Rembis’ first role as chief executive of a not-for-profit hospital, having held the top administrative positions at Hollywood Presbyterian, Riverside Community Hospital, Centinela Freeman Health System, Centinela Medical Center and JFK Medical Center in Indio.

He also held administrative posts at Tenet Healthcare System hospitals in San Diego.

“Healthcare reform will bring significant change to the delivery of health care services,” Rembis said. “I am excited to lead Providence Saint Joseph and its mission to provide greater access to high quality health care for the people of the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.”

-- Mark Kellam, Times Community News

Twitter: @LAMarkKellam