The man who see at right is Thomas C. Royer, M.D., who, for 12 years, was the man in charge of CHRISTUS Health, described on its website as "a Catholic health ministry." Not long ago he received the American Hospital Association's Distinguished Service Award, one among myriad high honors on a résumé that, as of today, includes a new gig: interim CEO of Parkland Memorial Hospital. He will temporarily replace Ron Anderson, who was ousted by the Parkland board at the end of August.
Anderson, though, will remain part of Parkland. Per the release that follows:
Effective Jan. 1, Dr. Anderson will take the role of Senior Advisor to the CEO and will initially be focused on achieving three major goals. He will serve as a principal consultant for Parkland working on the state of Texas' pursuit of an 1115 Medicaid waiver. The proposed waiver is designed to increase the amount of funding for uncompensated care in Texas and provide incentives for the improvement of health care delivery and access. In addition he will initiate the research and development of a community health institute and, he will provide crucial assistance to Parkland Foundation in its fundraising efforts.Says Anderson: "This is an exciting opportunity to continue serving Parkland and the community, doing work that needs to be done. I am looking forward to getting started."
Parkland Board of Managers selects interim CEO(Dallas, TX) - In two historic votes, the Board of Managers of Parkland Health & Hospital System today selected Thomas C. Royer, MD, to serve as Parkland's interim CEO, while identifying a vital new role for current CEO Ron J. Anderson, MD, whose tenure ends Dec. 31.
Board also outlines advisory role for current CEO Ron J. Anderson, MD
Dr. Royer most recently completed 12 years of service as President and CEO of CHRISTUS Health, an international faith-based, not-for-profit health system comprised of almost 350 services and facilities. He will begin at Parkland immediately to ensure an orderly transition.
"What we wanted was an experienced, focused leader who is capable of working with the Board, executive leadership, physicians, academic institutions and faculty, Parkland staff and the community to lead us through the significant transformation that is now under way," said Lauren McDonald, MD, Chair of Parkland's Board of Managers. "Dr. Royer provided not only compelling experience and knowledge, but it is also clear that he understands the urgent need to be extraordinarily focused on the challenges in front of us."
Parkland is working under a 19-month Systems Improvement Agreement with the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that provides Parkland the opportunity to continue to operate fully and participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs while making improvements identified by CMS.
"I'm truly honored by the opportunity to work with such a committed Board and look forward to getting to know the full complement of talented people who make Parkland the iconic institution that it is," Dr. Royer said. "We do have a great deal of work in front of us, but I am committed to work with the team here to move forward on a very visible journey to excellence for the patients, physicians and employees of Parkland."
Effective Jan. 1, Dr. Anderson will take the role of Senior Advisor to the CEO and will initially be focused on achieving three major goals. He will serve as a principal consultant for Parkland working on the state of Texas' pursuit of an 1115 Medicaid waiver. The proposed waiver is designed to increase the amount of funding for uncompensated care in Texas and provide incentives for the improvement of health care delivery and access. In addition he will initiate the research and development of a community health institute and, he will provide crucial assistance to Parkland Foundation in its fundraising efforts.
"Given his extensive knowledge of the issues, his contacts across the country and around the world and his passion for improving the delivery of public health services in this region, the Board knows Dr. Anderson will provide significant contributions to Parkland and to the Dallas County area," McDonald said.
"This is an exciting opportunity to continue serving Parkland and the community, doing work that needs to be done. I am looking forward to getting started," Dr. Anderson said. "I'm also looking forward to supporting Dr. Royer, whose national reputation as an exemplary health care CEO is well deserved and who I know will serve Parkland well."
