LLUMC CEO Ruthita J. Fike named by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of ‘130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know’

Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) CEO Ruthita J. Fike 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 Hospital Review, a leading publication highlighting business, legal news, and analysis for the hospital industry, recognized in its latest issue the top female leaders of hospitals and health systems across the country. “The women featured in this list have demonstrated a proven ability to lead their respective organizations in the midst of healthcare’s challenging environment. They have demonstrated considerable skill and promise despite times of uncertainty and unprecedented change in the industry,” Becker’s Hospital Review said in a statement. “As a result, the Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team finds these CEOs, CFOs, COOs and other executives as women to watch now and in years to come,” the statement said. “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,” said Dr. Richard Hart, 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. “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,” Ms. Fike said. Ms. Fike 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. She previously served as executive vice president of operations and support services for Englewood, Colo.-based 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 healthcare in the Denver metro area. In 2012, she was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “100 Non-profit Hospital, Health System CEOs to Know.” As CEO and administrator of the 1,076-bed Loma Linda University Medical Center, Ms. Fike provides the long-term strategic vision and oversees the day-to-day operations of the six-hospital system: University Hospital, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Loma Linda University Behavioral Medical Center, Loma Linda University Medical Center–East Campus, Loma Linda University Heart and Surgical Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta, and various signature programs. In recent years, Ms. Fike has overseen a number of important initiatives at Loma Linda University Medical Center, including planning, construction and opening of the new Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta; and the acquisition of Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital. She has worked at developing relationships and leading in the joint venture with Beaver Medical Group and Redlands Community Hospital to build Highland Springs Medical Plaza in Beaumont; she led 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; she received the 2013 Ludlam-Gamble leadership award from the National Health Foundation; and has championed efforts to improve patient care that has led to recognition by U.S. News & World Report of Loma Linda University Medical Center as the No. 1 Hospital in the Inland Empire for four years in a row. She is married to Duane, and they live in Redlands, Calif. They have two grown children and one grandchild.