Loma Linda University Medical Center CEO Ruthita J. Fike, MA, has been recognized as one of this year’s “130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Becker's is a monthly publication for top health care executives; it offers business news, legal updates, and analysis relating to hospitals and health systems.
The women on the list were selected for a proven ability to lead their respective organizations in the midst of a challenging environment for health care. According to Becker’s, they have demonstrated considerable skill and promise despite times of uncertainly and unprecedented change in the industry.
“Having the leader of Loma Linda University Medical Center be recognized as one of ‘130 Women Hospital and Health Leaders to Know’ is a point of pride for our institution,” says Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health.
“Ruthita truly exemplifies leadership, compassion, and professionalism in everything she does. In these times of challenges and uncertainty in the health care environment, we are blessed to have her lead the medical center to new heights,” he said.
Ms. Fike says, “I am deeply honored by this recognition, because I believe this is a testament to the commitment and teamwork of everyone at Loma Linda University Medical Center to provide world-class care for our patients.
She has served as CEO and administrator of Loma Linda University Medical Center and executive vice president for hospital affairs at Loma Linda University Health since 2004. Ms. Fike guides the long-term strategic vision and day-to-day operations of Loma Linda University Health’s six hospitals.
This is a second major award for Ms. Fike this year. In March, she received the Ludlam-Gamble Award from the National Health Foundation in association with the Hospital Association of Southern California.
She was also recognized last year by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “100 Non-profit Hospital, Health System CEOs to Know.”
Ms. Fike previously served as executive vice president of operations and support services for 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 health care in the Denver metro area.
Since joining Loma Linda University Health, Ms. Fike has guided initiatives at Loma Linda University Medical Center including:
• overseeing planning, construction, and opening of 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, leading to U.S. News & World Report recognizing Loma Linda University Medical Center as the No. 1 Hospital in the Inland Empire for four years in a row.