Full-Time
Vice President Strategy Growth
Posted on 1/21/2026
MemorialCare
501-1,000 employees
Nonprofit health system operating hospitals.
No salary listed
Fountain Valley, CA, USA
In Person
 Business & Strategy (1) |
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- At least 10 years of progressive experience in healthcare strategy, consulting, corporate development, or finance within a large integrated system.
- Deep experience with physician enterprise strategy, medical group economics, and integration models.
- Proven track record leading cross-functional strategy, major change efforts, and high-visibility governance processes.
- Develop and maintain a unified strategic plan that connects the needs of the Orange County campuses with the long-term direction of the Medical Foundation.
- Ensure campus and Foundation strategies align with the system’s mission, financial goals, and capital planning.
- Translate system strategy into clear priorities and measurable plans for hospital executives, clinical leaders, and Medical Foundation leadership.
- Lead the cadence for strategic planning and performance monitoring across campuses and the Foundation, ensuring accountability and transparency.
- Build and execute comprehensive strategic plans for each campus that drive market share, clinical excellence, and operational performance.
- Conduct service line architecture work including opportunity assessment, competitive analysis, growth planning, and decisions to grow, optimize, or sunset programs.
- Partner with the Hospital Presidents and operational leaders to integrate strategic initiatives into daily operations with emphasis on access, capacity, and efficiency.
- Establish and manage a governance framework that prioritizes high-impact strategic initiatives and tracks progress against campus goals.
- Provide the Business Development team with strategic guidance on referral patterns, physician needs, and geographic expansion priorities.
- Lead the long-term strategic plan for the Medical Foundation including medical group and IPA divisions.
- Oversee strategies for physician alignment, practice acquisition, compensation design, and care model innovation.
- Drive growth of key clinical and ancillary service lines within the Foundation, ensuring alignment with system-wide priorities and hospital campus needs.
- Conduct rigorous financial, market, and operational analysis to support all Foundation initiatives including business cases and return-on-investment tracking.
- Ensure the Medical Foundation is fully integrated into the system’s overall service portfolio, enabling strong referral alignment and coordinated market expansion.
- Lead ongoing analysis of market conditions, competitive trends, payer dynamics, and population health needs across Orange County.
- Develop clear, actionable strategic insights that inform both campus and Foundation priorities.
- Build comprehensive business models, feasibility analyses, and investment cases for all major strategic initiatives.
- Support system-wide business development activities by defining targets that best support campus and Foundation growth.
- Serve as a key strategic thought partner to the Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Team.
- Lead system-level governance processes including strategy cascade, performance review cycles, and materials for the Board and Senior Executive Committee.
- Act as the connector between corporate functions, OC campuses, and the Medical Foundation to ensure consistent strategy execution.
- Build trusting relationships with hospital presidents, physician leaders, Medical Foundation executives, and operating teams.
- Champion innovative clinical and operational technologies that improve performance or the patient experience.
- Master’s degree preferred (MBA or MHA)
MemorialCare operates a nonprofit health system in Southern California that runs four hospitals, two medical groups, imaging centers, surgical centers, and other specialized facilities to deliver a wide range of medical services. Patients access inpatient and outpatient care, diagnostic imaging, surgeries, and other treatments across the network’s facilities, with revenue from patient services, insurer reimbursements, and community support. Profits are reinvested into upgrading facilities, expanding services, and enhancing patient care, rather than distributed to shareholders. The organization holds Joint Commission accreditation and conducts community health needs assessments to align services with local needs and improve safety and outcomes.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Early VC
Total Funding
$1.8M
Headquarters
Laguna Hills, California
Founded
2005
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- David S. Kim's July 1, 2026 promotion can sharpen physician alignment.
- The PRN partnership now spans 39 outpatient therapy clinics across Southern California.
- Medicare and major insurer coverage reduces adoption friction for Cleerly symptomatic patients.
What critics are saying
- Leadership transition risks execution on cost transformation and surgical throughput.
- Major Southern California payers can exclude MemorialCare, crushing elective volume quickly.
- Rehab and AI advantages disappear fast when larger rivals replicate workflows.
What makes MemorialCare unique
- Four hospitals and 200-plus ambulatory sites create Southern California density.
- Cleerly AI heart analysis makes Long Beach first in Los Angeles County.
- Barry Arbuckle built MemorialCare into a value-based, employer-partnered health system.
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↑ 0%Lawsuit filed over AI recording doctor-patient visits. health April 12, 2026 health AI patient privacy lawsuit A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Sutter Health and MemorialCare, alleging unauthorized recording of doctor-patient conversations via Abridge AI. What happened. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, involves patients who received medical care at Sutter and MemorialCare facilities within the last six months. The core allegation centers around the use of Abridge AI, which the plaintiffs claim captured and processed their confidential medical communications without proper notification or consent. The suit specifically argues that patients were not clearly informed their conversations would be recorded by an AI platform, transmitted outside the clinic, or processed by third-party systems. Plaintiffs contend that the recordings contained sensitive and personally identifiable medical information, including medical histories, symptoms, diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans. These recordings, they assert, represent a breach of patient privacy and confidentiality. The lawsuit highlights that the information was captured during confidential medical consultations, implying a violation of the trusted doctor-patient relationship and potentially violating HIPAA regulations, although the lawsuit does not directly state this. Further details about the number of plaintiffs involved are still emerging. Abridge AI's technology captures, transcribes, and summarizes conversations between patients and doctors, turning them into clinical notes. It has been rapidly adopted by major healthcare providers nationwide, including Kaiser Permanente, the Mayo Clinic, and Duke Health. The lawsuit argues this widespread deployment amplifies the potential impact of privacy violations and highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and regulation around the use of AI in healthcare settings. News outlets reported that a member of the press has previously consented to this practice for personal medical appointments, showing how widespread the technology is. Why it matters. The lawsuit raises significant questions about patient privacy and the ethical implications of using AI in healthcare. It underscores the importance of obtaining informed consent before recording or processing sensitive medical information. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, it's critical to balance technological advancements with the need to protect patient rights and maintain the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship. This case could set a precedent for how healthcare providers utilize AI technologies and manage patient data. Abridge AI, valued at $5.3 billion as of June 2025, markets its product as a tool to improve outcomes for clinicians, nurses, and revenue cycle teams. However, the lawsuit brings to light the potential downsides of this technology, particularly regarding privacy and security. The outcome of this legal challenge could influence the future of AI adoption in healthcare and push for stricter regulations around data privacy and informed consent. Further legal challenges may arise as patients become more aware of how their data is being collected and used. What comes next. Sutter Health has acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit and stated its commitment to patient privacy and data security, adding that technology used is carefully evaluated and implemented according to applicable laws and regulations. MemorialCare declined to comment on pending litigation. Abridge AI has not yet responded to requests for comment. The legal process will now proceed, potentially involving discovery, where evidence is gathered, and further legal arguments from both sides. The court will need to determine whether the healthcare providers adequately informed patients about the use of Abridge AI and whether the collection and processing of patient data complied with relevant privacy laws. Depending on the outcome, healthcare providers may need to revise their policies and procedures regarding the use of AI technologies and patient data. This case is likely to be closely watched by healthcare professionals, technology companies, and patient advocacy groups alike. Related topics on gab.ae: ai · health Faq. What is Abridge AI? What are the main allegations in the lawsuit? What did Sutter Health say about the lawsuit?
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center recognized on Forbes' 2026 Top Hospitals List. Published on Mar. 20, 2026 MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center has been named one of the nation's top hospitals on Forbes' first-ever Top Hospitals List and Rankings for 2026, placing Saddleback among an elite group of high-performing health care organizations recognized for outstanding clinical quality, patient experience, and value. Saddleback was among just 60 hospitals statewide to receive recognition and one of the few hospitals in Southern California to earn four stars, solidifying its reputation as a trusted regional leader in high-quality, patient-centered care. "Being recognized on Forbes' first-ever Top Hospitals List is a meaningful honor for our entire organization. This achievement reflects the continued dedication of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who work every day to deliver exceptional outcomes and compassionate care for the communities we serve. We are committed to maintaining this standard of excellence as we invest in innovation, patient safety, and advanced clinical capabilities." - Shela Kaneshiro, RN, chief executive officer, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center For this inaugural list, Forbes evaluated nearly 5,400 general acute care hospitals across the United States using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Provider Data Catalog. Hospitals were assessed on 56 quality measures, grouped into four weighted categories: outcomes (55%), best practices (20%), value (15%), and patient experience (10%). The rigorous methodology was developed with guidance from an advisory panel of clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates, in partnership with health-care analytics firm Inovalon. Out of 4,601 eligible hospitals, Forbes awarded only 253 hospitals a five-star rating and 509 hospitals - including MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center - a four-star rating, placing Saddleback in the top 10-29% of hospitals nationwide based on the scoring distribution. Forbes' analysis highlighted the wide variation in performance among U.S. hospitals - particularly in mortality, complication rates, and experience scores - reinforcing the importance of choosing a hospital with a proven record of strong outcomes. Saddleback Medical Center's four-star rating places it within the upper echelon of hospitals, demonstrating strength across key service areas and consistent performance in quality measures that matter most to patients and families. According to Forbes, the rating system also incorporates adjustments for social drivers of health, including socioeconomic status and access to medical services, ensuring a more equitable comparison across hospitals nationwide. The inclusion of these factors further underscores Saddleback Medical Center's ability to deliver high-quality care and positive outcomes across a diverse patient population. As a longstanding health-care leader in Orange County, Saddleback Medical Center continues to advance its clinical programs, expand access to specialized services, and invest in technologies that enhance patient safety, recovery, and experience. In addition to recognition on Forbes' inaugural Top Hospitals List, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center continues to earn national and regional distinctions for exceptional quality and patient care. Recent accolades include being named one of America's 250 Best Hospitals and receiving multiple Healthgrades Excellence Awards in gastrointestinal care and surgery, orthopedic care, stroke care, surgical care, and critical care. The medical center has also earned 13 five-star rankings for outcomes across heart failure, hip fracture, spinal fusion, sepsis, pulmonary care, colorectal surgery, gallbladder removal, GI bleed, bowel obstruction, respiratory failure, and diabetic emergencies. Saddleback additionally holds numerous U.S. News & World Report "High Performing" ratings in maternity care, heart attack, heart failure, knee replacement, hip fracture, spinal fusion, pneumonia, and stroke and has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Orange County for seven consecutive years. Together, these achievements reflect Saddleback Medical Center's unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center awarded Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades for third year in a row. March 10, 2026 MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center announced today that it has been recognized as a 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award(TM) recipient by Healthgrades, the No. 1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. This distinction places Saddleback Medical Center among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety and marks the third consecutive year the organization has earned this prestigious recognition. "We are incredibly proud to be recognized among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety. This recognition reflects not only our team's unwavering commitment to patient safety, but also the compassion and care they bring to every interaction. We are deeply committed to caring for the community we serve, and we strive to treat every patient who walks through our doors with the same attention, respect, and kindness we would want for our own family members." - Brandi Cassingham, RN, MSN, chief nursing officer, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. Saddleback Medical Center's achievements are based on what matters most: patient outcomes. To evaluate hospital patient safety, Healthgrades analyzed risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates using Medicare inpatient data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Patient Safety Indicators. Hospitals were assessed across 14 serious, potentially preventable complications over a three-year period (2021-2023), with award recipients demonstrating superior performance compared to expected outcomes. Healthgrades' analysis revealed significant performance gaps between the nation's highest- and lowest-performing hospitals, underscoring the importance of seeking care at hospitals with proven safety records. From 2021 to 2023, 173,280 preventable patient safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals, with four patient safety indicators accounting for nearly 76% of these incidents. The annual study found that patients treated in hospitals that received the Patient Safety Excellence Award(TM) experienced significantly better outcomes than those treated at non-recipient hospitals, including a lower likelihood of: * In-hospital falls resulting in fracture (54% less likely) * Collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest (approximately 55% less likely) * Pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital (approximately 69% less likely) * Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (72% less likely) "As a 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient, Saddleback Medical Center consistently puts the well-being of their patients and staff at the forefront, setting a high standard for patient safety nationwide. We commend Saddleback Medical Center for providing consistently exceptional care while preventing serious injuries, giving patients their best chance of a seamless recovery." - Debra Gradick, MD FACEP, senior physician consultant at Healthgrades. In addition to this recognition for patient safety, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center was recently named one of America's 250 Best Hospitals(R) for overall clinical care and has received numerous accolades for excellence in key service areas, including cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics and pulmonary care. Together, these honors reflect the organization's ongoing commitment to delivering compassionate, individualized care at every step of the patient's journey.
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center awarded Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades for third year in a row. PR Newswire Today at 12:00am PDT PR Newswire LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., March 10, 2026 LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center announced today that it has been recognized as a 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award(TM) recipient by Healthgrades, the No. 1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. This distinction places Saddleback Medical Center among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety and marks the third consecutive year the organization has earned this prestigious recognition. "We are incredibly proud to be recognized among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety," says Brandi Cassingham, RN, MSN, chief nursing officer, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. "This recognition reflects not only our team's unwavering commitment to patient safety, but also the compassion and care they bring to every interaction. We are deeply committed to caring for the community we serve, and we strive to treat every patient who walks through our doors with the same attention, respect, and kindness we would want for our own family members." Saddleback Medical Center's achievements are based on what matters most: patient outcomes. To evaluate hospital patient safety, Healthgrades analyzed risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates using Medicare inpatient data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Patient Safety Indicators. Hospitals were assessed across 14 serious, potentially preventable complications over a three-year period (2021-2023), with award recipients demonstrating superior performance compared to expected outcomes. Healthgrades' analysis revealed significant performance gaps between the nation's highest- and lowest-performing hospitals, underscoring the importance of seeking care at hospitals with proven safety records. From 2021 to 2023, 173,280 preventable patient safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals, with four patient safety indicators accounting for nearly 76% of these incidents. The annual study found that patients treated in hospitals that received the Patient Safety Excellence Award(TM) experienced significantly better outcomes than those treated at non-recipient hospitals, including a lower likelihood of: * In-hospital falls resulting in fracture (54% less likely) * Collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest (approximately 55% less likely) * Pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital (approximately 69% less likely) * Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (72% less likely) "As a 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient, Saddleback Medical Center consistently puts the well-being of their patients and staff at the forefront, setting a high standard for patient safety nationwide," said Debra Gradick, MD FACEP, senior physician consultant at Healthgrades. "We commend Saddleback Medical Center for providing consistently exceptional care while preventing serious injuries, giving patients their best chance of a seamless recovery." In addition to this recognition for patient safety, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center was recently named one of America's 250 Best Hospitals(R) for overall clinical care and has received numerous accolades for excellence in key service areas, including cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics and pulmonary care. Together, these honors reflect the organization's ongoing commitment to delivering compassionate, individualized care at every step of the patient's journey. About MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is a member of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit, integrated health care delivery System. Saddleback Medical Center received U.S. News & World Report high performance rankings for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Attack, Kidney Failure, Knee Replacement, Pneumonia, and Stroke. It was named among Healthgrade's America's 250 Best Hospitals, Top 50 U.S. Cardiovascular Hospitals, Orange County Register Best Orange County Hospitals and Top Workplaces; received Magnet Nursing Excellence designation and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Care Gold Plus and among first U.S. hospitals earning Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification and Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation. Centers of Excellence include cancer, heart, orthopedics, spine, neuroscience, gastroenterology, emergency and critical care, breast health, imaging, women's health, obstetrics, geriatrics, and minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. To learn more, visit memorialcare.org/saddleback. About Healthgrades Healthgrades is dedicated to empowering meaningful connections between patients, doctors, and hospitals. As the #1 platform for finding a doctor and a leader in healthcare transparency, eNews Park Forest, Inc. help millions of consumers each month find and schedule appointments with their healthcare professional of choice and prepare for their appointments with best-in-class, treatment-focused content. For over 20 years, its health system, group practice, and life sciences marketing solutions have helped its partners reach and engage consumers on their way to the doctor Healthgrades is part of RVO Health, a partnership between Red Ventures and Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group. RVO Health has the largest consumer health and wellness audience online across its brand portfolio, including Healthgrades, Healthline, Medical News Today, Greatist, Psych Central and Bezzy, which touch every part of the health and wellness journey. RVO Health helps more than 100 million unique visitors live their strongest and healthiest lives each month. SOURCE MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center This is a paid placement. For further inquiries, please contact PR Newswire directly.
Kathy Nyilas named February Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Kathy Nyilas, a patient registration specialist at Memorial Care on South Sixth Street in Springfield, was recently named February Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Nyilas consistently delivers outstanding patient experiences while demonstrating a strong commitment to organizational values. Her attention to detail has made a positive impact on patient care. In one instance, she identified and prevented an inaccurate order, saving a home health patient from having to redo a 24-hour collection. "Kathy is an amazing asset to Memorial, always working hard, staying observant and providing great patient experiences," wrote one nominator. "She is kind, always polite and fully present in every patient interaction." Multiple colleagues praised Nyilas's leadership qualities and her ability to create a welcoming environment. "Kathy is a true leader in her work area and is diligent in making sure every patient has the best experience," another nominator wrote. "She never misses an opportunity to make someone's day better with a kind word or a smile." The Colleague of the Month recognition celebrates Memorial Health colleagues who exemplify excellence in their roles and embody the organization's mission, vision and values.