Leadership Message

Shaping the Future of Wellness

Patrick Monroe

Chair, PIH Health Board of Directors

James R. West

PIH Health President and Chief Executive Officer

Welcome to PIH Health’s fiscal year 2024 Annual Report. As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter for our healthcare system, this report serves as a reflection of all that we have accomplished this past year, highlighting our ongoing dedication to the highest standard of healthcare delivery and sharing the many ways we have enhanced the patient experience and grown as the community’s health and wellness partner.

The end of this fiscal year marked the 65^th anniversary of PIH Health Whittier Hospital. As we commemorate this milestone, we cannot help but feel a sense of pride in seeing that what began as a local community hospital, has evolved into a fully integrated, premier healthcare system, serving and impacting the lives of more than three million residents.

Reflecting on PIH Health’s growth over our 65 years—longer if we consider the ages of our more recently acquired PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital (established in 1885) and PIH Health Downey Hospital (established in 1920)—we are pleased to announce the launch of our new five-year strategic plan, a roadmap designed to adapt to the evolving needs of our community and enhance our commitment to providing exceptional care. This plan will not only guide our priorities but will also empower us to innovate and excel in every aspect of our operations.

To support our vision, we are embarking on several capital projects aimed at expanding our facilities and resources. These initiatives will significantly increase access to care for our patients and elevate the consumer experience, ensuring that everyone in our community can receive the high-quality healthcare and wellness they need.

From upgraded technology and equipment to improved patient spaces, and construction of new buildings to collaborative partnerships, we are investing in the tools and infrastructure necessary to elevate our services and gain financial strength. We are shaping the future of wellness and healthcare for our communities, and we could not be more proud of what we are poised to achieve.

Highlights

Over the past year, PIH Health has continued to advance as an organization. Following are some of the highlights from fiscal year 2024.

ENHANCING THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Patients are at the center of all that we do. In fiscal year 2024, we set out to give even more people easier access to our award-winning care by expanding our physical capacity, increasing our digital connections, investing $15 million into hiring more physicians and advanced practice professionals in the PIH Health Physicians network, and training more medical residents. We have also explored collaborative partnerships and strategies to improve healthcare access to our most vital services and continue to expand our reach in the surrounding communities. These initiatives combined with our continued dedication to providing comprehensive and outstanding healthcare, also work to enhance the patient experience, support overall wellness, and promote better health outcomes. Some of these efforts can be seen in the following new developments at PIH Health:

PIH Health Partners with Federally Qualified Health Centers to Expand Access

An effective approach to expand access to care for more people in our communities is extending our reach beyond our own facilities by partnering with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). These community-based, nonprofit organizations provide comprehensive primary medical care and serve medically underserved areas or populations with supplemental payments to offset the overall costs of care. Currently, PIH Health Physicians contracts with several such clinics, including Via Care Clinics in South Gate and Bellflower; Community Wellness Foundation in Whittier; and Central Neighborhood Health Foundation in Norwalk, Los Angeles, and Long Beach. These clinics help to provide much needed access to care for nearly 60,000 Medi-Cal patients. Our organization is looking to establish two specialty FQHC sites, in Downey and Los Angeles to offer cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, and other specialty services.

Digital Upgrades and Same-Day Urgent Care Center Reservations

As part of our effort to integrate all aspects of a patient's care and experience—ranging from in-person visits to digital interactions—we have made significant improvements to our electronic health record system and online appointment scheduling, helping to streamline operations for our teams and enhance accessibility and convenience for our patients. Optimizing these foundational technologies enables us to take full advantage of the most current and advanced features available and empower physicians and other caregivers with the tools they need to provide exceptional care. Additionally, in June 2024, La Habra, Santa Fe Springs, and Westlake urgent care centers began offering same-day appointments—simplifying the process to access convenient care.

Imaging and Radiology Updates

In January 2024, PIH Health introduced full-service nuclear medicine imaging at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, adding the Symbia Evo to its nuclear medicine department to streamline the diagnostic process. This cutting-edge technology, already available at PIH Health Downey Hospital and PIH Health Whittier Hospital, generates superior images, bolsters diagnostic confidence, and minimizes the necessity for additional imaging studies and patient readmissions. The system boasts a 30-percent larger bore, catering to individuals who experience anxiety during conventional imaging. The system's adaptable design eliminates the need for patient transfers, particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility constraints or complex medical conditions. 

PIH Health continues to work on improving access to our imaging services by investing in technology updates to our current imaging equipment, including upgrades to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit at PIH Health Downey Hospital, additional mobile MRI units, and operational improvements to help our patients get the care they need when they need it.

PIH Health Downey Hospital Commemorates 10 Years as Part of PIH Health

October 1, 2023, marked ten years since Downey Regional Medical Center became part of PIH Health. PIH Health has invested nearly $145 million to modernize the Downey campus since 2013. PIH Health Downey Hospital has undergone many changes to revitalize and elevate the hospital campus. We have completed numerous modernization projects that have helped to enhance the facility’s interior and exterior, creating a welcoming and safe environment to provide the best service and experience for our patients and visitors. Extensive technological upgrades, including installation of state-of-the-art equipment, implementation of electronic medical records, operational improvements, and countless other updates fully integrate the hospital into the PIH Health system for seamless, streamlined, and coordinated patient care. Campus-wide enhancements continue, including additional access to the growing number of medical specialties in the Downey medical office buildings, the opening of our newest retail pharmacy, the renovation of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/Critical Care Unit (CCU), and chapel remodel. The PIH Health Downey Hospital emergency department, which received more than 62,000 visits last year, is nearing completion of its multiphase expansion that will help accommodate and provide life-saving services to even more members of our community. Throughout this decade of renewal and growth, the physicians, employees, and volunteers at our Downey hospital have continued to provide outstanding care for our patients and communities each day.

Spiritual Care Services Commitment to Compassionate Care

Beyond meeting the health needs of our patients, our organization works to address the spiritual health needs of our community. Offering compassionate spiritual and emotional support as a vital resource to patients and their families, our dedicated professional chaplains, clinical pastoral education residents and interns, and pastoral care volunteers have played a crucial role putting PIH Health patients first. They provide holistic care that respects the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of patients, their families, and our staff, honoring each individual's culture, beliefs, and values.  

The James P. Fitzgerald Spiritual Care Services has helped to enhance and build on the sense of community and inclusion not only in patient care settings but through their positive impact on overall company culture. In December 2023, the team hosted the first annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Blessing Ceremony at all three PIH Health hospital campuses, gathering employees, patients, and visitors alike to mark the beginning of the holiday season and spread festive cheer. In July 2024, with the completion of PIH Health Downey Hospital’s chapel renovation project, System Senior Director for Chaplaincy Fr. Kenneth Chukwu led the chapel's blessing and dedication ceremony for a group of attendees from across the organization, including employees, physicians, patients, caregivers, donors, and community supporters. 

“This chapel represents our commitment to holistic care,” said Fr. Chukwu. “Addressing spiritual needs benefits health outcomes and satisfaction. The chapel is a testament to our community's support.” His blessing marked the official opening of the renovated chapel, a space for comfort and reflection for patients, families, and staff. 

The project, which transformed the sacred space, was entirely funded by PIH Health Foundation, and made possible through the generosity of The Atwood Family, Sam and Beverly Mathis, PDL Enterprises, Inc., and PIH Health employee donors. The outpouring of support and generosity for this initiative demonstrates the importance of spiritual care in healthcare, and PIH Health’s commitment to addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families, which are so integral to their health and wellbeing.

PIH Health Launches Patients First Star Rewards Program

From the moment a patient enters our doors, in every conversation and throughout all our patient interactions, dedication to excellent customer service should be ever present. Building on this mindset, our organization launched the Patients First Star Rewards Program, aimed at fostering exceptional patient experiences throughout our organization. The first program lasted seven weeks, from August through September 2024—with each of our entities focused on improving a different aspect of the patient experience at their facilities. Patient health and satisfaction remain our top priority and this initiative united our organization to enhance the healthcare experience for all patients and visitors. Our commitment to putting Patients First drives us to actively seek feedback and implement changes that foster a welcoming, compassionate environment. As we continue to engage patients and their families, we want to ensure that their voices are heard, and use their responses to guide our initiatives and innovations. Thank you to all our teams for embracing the “Patients First” spirit in all you do as we work to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding care.

ENHANCING THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE

PIH Health Earns CHIME Digital Health Most Wired Recognition

In October 2023, PIH Health and PIH Health Physicians were recognized as 2023 Digital Health Most Wired recipients by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).  

PIH Health was awarded Certified Level 9 for Acute Care settings, rising from last year’s score of Certified Level 8, recognizing all three hospitals—PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, and PIH Health Whittier Hospital. PIH Health Physicians also received a Certified Level 8 for Ambulatory settings, rising from last year’s score of Certified Level 7.  

This tremendous enterprisewide achievement was made possible by the continuous implementation of technology infrastructure advancements and updates to medical software systems across PIH Health’s fully integrated health system. Our investment further enhances the coordination and delivery of care systemwide, so we can continue to provide the best care for our patients and community.

“We are honored to once again receive the Most Wired recognition,” said PIH Health Chief Information Officer Jason Fischer. “This award can only be attributed to the excellent efforts and dedication by our staff and physicians to refine and sustain a robust IT ecosystem across the entire enterprise. As this health system continues to expand, we remain committed to providing the highest quality of patient care by providing the latest technology advancements in health for the communities we serve.”

PIH Health Receives Get With The Guidelines^® Quality Achievement Awards

In July 2024, PIH Health Downey Hospital and PIH Health Whittier Hospital earned the Get With The Guidelines^® Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award from the American Heart Association.  

Both hospitals also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award for ensuring patients with Type 2 diabetes who might be at higher risk for complications receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke. Additionally, they received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite award for meeting quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.  

“PIH Health is proud of these achievements that reflect our adherence to the latest treatment guidelines to ensure timely and proper care for our stroke patients,” says PIH Health System Director of Quality Programs Krystal Valdez MSN RN ACNS-BC. “The Get With The Guidelines program makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis which helps us ensure more people in our communities experience longer, healthier lives.”

PIH HEALTH PHYSICIANS RECOGNIZED AS A TOP PERFORMING PROVIDER ORGANIZATION

PIH Health Physicians Receives Excellence in Healthcare Award from IHA

In November 2023, PIH Health Physicians received the Excellence in Healthcare award from the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) for measurement year 2022 performance in IHA’s Align. Measure. Perform. Commercial HMO Program. 

The Excellence in Healthcare Award represents the highest level of achievement, recognizing provider organizations that achieved strong quality results while effectively managing costs. This is the seventh year PIH Health Physicians has received this honor. To earn this award, a provider organization’s performance must rank in the top 50 percent for clinical quality, patient experience, and cost for their commercial HMO population. Only 19 out of nearly 200 eligible provider organizations received this award. 

These recognitions are a testament to the dedication of PIH Health Physicians’ doctors, advance practice professionals, nurses, staff, and leadership team who dedicate their time and effort to positively impact the communities we serve and put Patients First.

SCAN Health Plan Recognizes PIH Health Physicians as a Top-Performing Medical Group

In May 2024, PIH Health Physicians was recognized by SCAN Health Plan as a 2023 top-performing medical group in its provider network. The group was presented with an award at a ceremony during SCAN’s annual Quality Symposium. PIH Health Physicians was one of 16 medical groups recognized for their dedication to providing the highest quality of care and service. The quality metrics SCAN uses to evaluate provider groups focus on preventive screenings, treatment of chronic conditions, and patient satisfaction. These metrics are similar to those used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in its Medicare Advantage Star Rating System.

“We are grateful for the partnership we have with SCAN and are honored to be recognized as one of their top-performing medical groups,” said President of PIH Health Physicians Andrew Zwers. “SCAN shares PIH Health’s commitment to putting patients first, and this recognition is a testament to our collaborative efforts and steadfast dedication to providing the highest level of service and care for our patients and communities. We deeply appreciate the recognition from SCAN and all that we have achieved for our patients in our work together.”

PIH Health 2024 Top Doctors Recognized

PIH Health was proud to extend congratulations to all our esteemed doctors who earned recognition in various 2024 top doctor listings. PIH Health is pleased to honor the excellent work of our providers and celebrate their achievements. We appreciate all of our physicians for their service and commitment to patient care and for sharing their skill, passion, and dedication.  Congratulations, once again, to the following PIH Health Medical Group and affiliated physicians for receiving top doctor recognition in 2024:

Los Angeles Business Journal Top Doctors (January 2024):

2024 Super Doctors (January 2024):

Los Angeles Magazine Top Doctors (May 2024):

PIH HEALTH EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED

PIH Health was honored that some of our exemplary employees received public recognition during the year:

Sandy Martinez MSN RN CEN - Woman of Achievement

In March 2024, Clinical Director of the PIH Health Whittier Hospital Emergency Department Sandy Martinez was named a Woman of Achievement for the 30^th California Senate District by Senator Bob Archuleta. She was one of 21 women to receive the honor. Sandy’s dynamic leadership and dedication to delivering high-quality patient care to the community has led to many safety initiatives at PIH Health and her commitment to her vocation has placed her in high regard as an exceptional nurse leader and mentor.

Vid Shivaraman MHA - CFO Awards

In July 2024, PIH Health Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Vid Shivaraman was selected as a nominee for the 2024 CFO Leadership Awards by L.A. Times B2B Publishing. In September 2024, he was also selected as a finalist for the 2024 CFO Awards by Los Angeles Business Journal. Vid is a driving force of change within PIH Health, lending his guidance, knowledge, and experience to build and foster dynamic and resourceful teams, and sharing his vision to ensure we work to maintain financial sustainability and continuous growth. His ingenuity and dedication have been invaluable to our organization and we thank him for his commitment to PIH Health.

James R. West and Davis Lee MD - Healthcare Leadership Awards

In August 2024, PIH Health Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President James R. West was selected as a finalist for CEO/President of the Year in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2024 Healthcare Leadership Awards. The annual event recognizes accomplishments and presents awards to individuals and organizations in the healthcare industry who are making a difference. Jim was recognized for his clear vision and an unwavering commitment to patients and community and his implementation of strategic initiatives that have led to more efficient operations, heightened customer service, and enhanced quality of care. PIH Health Chief Medical Information Officer and Chief Innovation Officer Davis Lee MD was selected as a nominee for Healthcare System Executive of the Year in recognition of his contributions to continuous advancements in information technology at PIH Health.

Chico Manning MHA – MySoCal Hospital Hero and Future Famer

In October 2023, System Vice President of Enterprise Supply Chain Chico Manning was named a My SoCal Hospital Hero by the Hospital Association of Southern California(HASC). He was one of 13 exemplary HASC member hospital employees in Southern California to receive the award at the My SoCal Hospital Heroes Award Gala. Additionally, in May 2024, Chico was recognized by the Bellwether League Foundation's Healthcare Supply Chain Leadership Hall of Fame as one of three supply chain professionals selected to join the Future Famers Class of 2024. Chico was recognized at the 17th Annual Bellwether League Foundation Induction and Recognition Event in October 2024. Chico has played an integral role in the evolution of PIH Health's Enterprise Supply Chain since he joined the organization in 2016 and represents the next-generation of supply chain leaders who display deep ties in the clinical and information technology realms that motivate colleagues to unite around a common mission and vision during crises and day-to-day operations.

PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - DAISY Team Award

In June 2024, the PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital NICU team was recognized for their dedication to delivering and providing care to a baby, born at 25 weeks, who faced immediate health challenges, such as respiratory failure, upon admission to the unit. The NICU team worked tirelessly addressing the baby’s medical needs and providing unwavering support to his family. Despite setbacks, including multiple intubations, the team remained steadfast in their dedication to the baby’s well-being.

“As we tended to his fragile health our hearts overflowed with a compassion so large for someone so small. Our NICU nurses made sure his surroundings were as soothing as possible. Every touch was gentle and every word spoken held support for both him and his family,” shared a NICU team member.

Over time, the baby began to show remarkable resilience, displaying an eagerness to thrive despite his tiny size. After months of care and attention the baby was able to go home with his family, a testament to the incredible compassion and expertise of the NICU team.

DAISY Team Award PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital NICU DAISY Team Award Recipients

PIH Health Whittier Hospital Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) - DAISY Team Award

In June 2024, the PIH Health Whittier Hospital SAU earned a DAISY Team Award. A patient had come in for eye surgery, already had vision loss, and had been off work for several months. Due to delays with her disability coverage she had gone months with no income and could not afford two of her diabetes medications, causing her blood sugar to be elevated. The SAU team went above and beyond to raise funds to cover the patient’s medications—collecting more than enough to get her medications restarted and last her for the next few months. Special thanks to Melissa Stuart RN for taking the time to help get the patient’s disability pay activated and gathering the support from the SAU team to make sure this patient received the help she needed.

PIH Health Whittier Hospital SAU DAISY Team Award Recipients

PIH Health Downey Hospital Surgery Team – Outpatient Surgery Magazine

In July 2024, PIH Health Downey Hospital was featured in Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Outpatient Surgery magazine. The article “Seven Tips to Go (and Stay) Surgical Smoke-Free” by the clinical director of surgery & sterile processing departments at PIH Health Downey Hospital Stephanie Jones MSN RN CNOR, provides a perioperative nurse’s advice on how to bring smoke evacuation to operating rooms (ORs). PIH Health Downey Hospital was previously featured in the magazine in October 2023, detailing the work done by Stephanie and the team to achieve smokefree operating rooms in the procedural setting at the hospital. These efforts earned the team the AORN Go Clear Award with a Gold distinction in 2021.   

The ORs at PIH Health Downey Hospital have been smoke-free for three years. PIH Health continues to applaud the hard work of Stephanie and the team and their commitment to providing increased surgical patient and healthcare worker safety by implementing practices that eliminate smoke caused by lasers and electrosurgery devices. Surgical smoke is the unwanted by-product of energy-generating devices that are used in 90 percent of all surgeries.  

On October 7, 2023, California Gov. Newsom signed AB 1007 into law, making California the 15^th state to enact surgical smoke evacuation legislation. PIH Health is proud to recognize the efforts of the PIH Health Downey Hospital surgery department for trailblazing the way to smoke-free surgical environments. Their efforts and achievements continue to raise the bar for safety standards in our facilities and are a testament to their commitment to the health and safety of staff and the community.

INVESTING IN HEALTH, STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITIES

This last year, we engaged in a variety of collaborative partnerships—from providing vital public health education for our staff and the public to creating valuable training opportunities for our employees to participating in events that showcase the exceptional care our hospital offers. Together, these initiatives not only strengthen our organization but also promote overall health and wellness, support the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals, and foster a sense of connection and support within our care teams and the communities we serve.

PIH Health Whittier Hospital and OneLegacy Honor Patient Donor on Rose Parade Float

In December 2023, PIH Health Whittier Hospital staff and physicians and the family of PIH Health donor-patient Rosanna Manriquez gathered in the Blanchard-Haendiges Auditorium to celebrate the unveiling of the floragraph made in her honor at a special rose dedication event hosted by PIH Health in partnership with OneLegacy. The floragraph of Rosanna’s image was made entirely out of organic materials and was featured on the OneLegacy Donate Life Float in the 2024 Rose Parade. Additionally, OneLegacy presented PIH Health Chief Nursing Officer Ramona Pratt and PIH Health Nurse Marcia Rocha, who was part of Rossana’s care team, with roses on which they wrote special handwritten dedications. The roses were placed in the dedication garden on the OneLegacy Donate Life float. PIH Health is grateful to OneLegacy for the opportunity to honor Rosanna’s gift of life and especially thank the hospital care teams that gave such excellent care and support to Rosanna and her family and helped to make this donation possible.

PIH Health and MedCerts Medical Assistant Training Program and Cerritos College Work Embedded Program

In February 2024, PIH Health recognized two employees, Michael Gutierrez and Lesly Garcia, for completing the MedCerts Healthcare Medical Assistant (MA) Certification Training program held from June – December 2023. Both have since transitioned into roles as MAs at PIH Health. In April 2024, PIH Health once again offered the opportunity to current employees to apply for five spaces in the 2024 MedCerts Healthcare Certification Training Program. Accepted candidates attend online tuition-free classes where they learn medical assistant skills then apply their knowledge in a paid internship upon completing the required coursework. Employees accepted into the MedCerts Healthcare Certifications Training Program are extended a guaranteed full-time MA position at PIH Health Physicians clinics upon completion of the program and internship. This is an example of how PIH Health supports our employees looking to transition into MA roles to continue to care for patients in a new capacity. 

PIH Health has developed a partnership with Cerritos College’s nursing program to train a group of 10 employees to become registered nurses. The PIH Health-Cerritos College Work Embedded Program was envisioned years ago to address our organization’s needs amidst a nursing shortage. Through this partnership, PIH Health provides a valuable opportunity for our dedicated employees to pursue their dreams of becoming nurses. In August 2024, a special meet and greet breakfast was held to kick off the school year for the 10 PIH Health employees who were selected for the Cerritos College Associate Degree in Nursing program. PIH Health is proud to be able to offer educational opportunities like this to help our deserving employees realize their dreams and continue to grow within our organization.

Congratulations to the following 10 employees: 
‍
Priscila Arzate CNA
Crystal Gutierrez CNA
Lidia Godoy Jimenez LVN
Davina Lauro, Monitor Tech
Guadalupe Magana Ceja CNA
Leslie Palafox, ED Tech
Lysette Perez-Holden, PTA
David Ramirez Jr., EKG Tech
Marlynn Rhodes, Emergency Financial Representative
Martin Salazar, Radiology Technologist Assistant

PIH Health and Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Celebrate Sidewalk Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Day

In June 2024, in observance of National CPR Week, PIH Health hosted a Sidewalk (hands-only) CPR training day at all three hospitals and PIH Health Bloomfield Medical Office Building in Santa Fe Springs. The free “Hands-Only” CPR training event hosted more than 260 attendees including staff members (clinical and non-clinical), community members, and patients. PIH Health has hosted in-person Sidewalk CPR training since 2012. The event is always a great opportunity to educate our staff and members of the community on the effectiveness of hands-only CPR and offer training that can potentially save lives.

PIH Health Hosts First Respiratory Conference

In September 2024, the PIH Health Respiratory team hosted its first PIH Health Respiratory Conference: Breath of Change. The conference was open to all community respiratory therapists and students and provided live education and learning. The event featured physicians, respiratory therapists, and registered nurses speaking on such topics as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, wheezes, and lung diseases to help enhance the respiratory profession. A leadership and educators meeting was also held during the conference to provide a forum for sharing ideas and improving processes, as well as a student question and answer session to allow students to ask questions to a panel of respiratory therapists.

Vice President of Operations for PIH Health Whittier Hospital and PIH Health Downey Hospital

RON EICKHOFF RCP RRT
Vice President of Operations for PIH Health Whittier Hospital and PIH Health Downey Hospital

Ron Eickhoff RCP RRT was promoted to the newly created position of vice president of operations for PIH Health Whittier Hospital and PIH Health Downey Hospital in December 2023. In this role, he oversees multiple ancillary services including diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, respiratory services, and cardiology, as well as radiology operations within all PIH Health Physicians clinics. He most recently held the role of vice president of respiratory services. Ron was employed by PIH Health from 1985-2000, and re-joined the organization in 2017 as director of respiratory services at PIH Health Whittier Hospital and PIH Health Downey Hospital.

JASON FISCHER
‍Vice President of Operations for PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital and System Chief Information Officer

Jason Fischer was promoted to the newly created, position of vice president of operations for PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital in June 2024. In this role, he oversees neurology operations, cardiology operations, catheterization lab, hospital-based physician agreements, radiology/interventional radiology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, respiratory services, and physical medicine (physical therapy/occupational therapy/speech/wound care). Additionally, he maintains his role as system chief information officer, a position he has held since he joined PIH Health in 2014.

SARAH MERKLE MSN RN CNS-BC
‍Vice President of Nursing Operations for PIH Health Whittier Hospital

Sarah Merkle MSN RN CNS-BC was promoted to the position of vice president of nursing operations in February 2024. In this role, she has oversight of the PIH Health Whittier Hospital medical-surgical units, cancer program (including cancer registry, infusion center, nurse navigators, and lung screening program), and pain management. Sarah has been with PIH Health since 2005, where she most recently held the position of administrative director of medical-surgical services. She began her career at PIH Health as a new graduate registered nurse, subsequently developed expertise in cancer, and developed and managed the infusion center. She then took on the role of clinical nurse specialist with a focus in oncology.

DIANNE SAUCO MSN MSHCA RN
‍Vice President of Medical Management

Dianne Sauco MSN MSHCA RN was promoted to the newly created, enterprise wide position of vice president of medical management in December 2023. In this role, she has authority, responsibility, and accountability for the overall administration, direction, and strategy of the care management departments across the PIH Health system. Dianne has been with PIH Health since 2004, where she most recently held the position of chief nursing officer at PIH Health Downey Hospital. She began her PIH Health career as a staff nurse at PIH Health Whittier Hospital. Over the years she has transitioned from case manager to assistant director, to clinical director of the acute rehabilitation center and transitional care unit, to administrative director of care management for both PIH Health Downey Hospital and PIH Health Whittier Hospital.

ALEXIS ZAMARRIPA MSN RN HACP
‍PIH Health Downey Hospital Chief Nursing Officer

Alexis Zamarripa MSN RN HACP was appointed chief nursing officer at PIH Health Downey Hospital in April 2024. In this role, she is responsible for executive oversight of PIH Health Downey Hospital’s emergency department, critical care center, definitive observation unit, telemetry, outpatient surgery center, post-acute care, endoscopy, medical-surgical units, neuro services, and the morgue. Alexis has been with PIH Health since 1997 and most recently held the position of accreditation and licensing coordinator for PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital. She began her nursing career at PIH Health Whittier Hospital as a staff nurse in the oncology/medical-surgical unit. Zamarripa then transitioned to critical care where she served as assistant clinical director before becoming the clinical director of the critical care center at PIH Health Downey Hospital.

Foundation

Supporting the Health of Our Communities

PIH Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the sole mission of raising funds through philanthropy to benefit PIH Health and its affiliates, including PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, and PIH Health Whittier Hospital. Funds raised by PIH Health Foundation benefit the communities the organization serves through quality healthcare and health-based programs and services.

In FY 2024, $36.1 million was raised in support of PIH Health’s mission of providing outstanding care for our patients and our community. We are so appreciative to the community for their sincere generosity and enthusiastic support.

The PIH Health Foundation Annual Golf Tournament was held at Friendly Hills Country Club in October 2023. Community members and loyal supporters spent the day giving back on the greens—raising over $348,000 for the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Services provided by PIH Health Heart and Vascular Center.

In March 2024, PIH Health Foundation Circle of Excellence members joined together for a Grand Re-Opening of PIH Health Hospice Rose House. Guests enjoyed an exclusive tour of the newly renovated hospice home and witnessed the dedication and blessing of “The Healing Wall”, an art installation crafted and donated by Annette Atwood. Medical Director of PIH Health Palliative Care and Hospice Services Nathan Hashimoto MD shared information about PIH Health’s palliative care and hospice programs and the significant impact these services have on our community.

In June 2024, PIH Health Foundation held its inaugural Passion+Purpose employee giving celebration where PIH Health employee donors were treated to Handel's ice cream in recognition of the incredible passion and purpose they bring to PIH Health, and in appreciation for their ongoing support and dedication to the growth and development of the organization.

In July 2024, the newly renovated chapel at PIH Health Downey Hospital was unveiled to Circle of Excellence members. System Senior Director for Chaplaincy Fr. Kenneth Chukwu led the chapel's blessing and dedication, marking the official opening of the renovated chapel, a space now enriched to offer comfort and reflection to patients, families, and staff.

The meaningful and purpose-driven contributions of all our donors continues to help PIH Health deliver exceptional care to our patients and communities. As always, we thank our tremendous donors for their generous support of our lifesaving mission.

Awards

2024

2024 Great Place to Work-Certified^™

2024 Best Place to Work and Best Hospital and Best Non-Profit Reader Recommended in Los Angeles Downtown News’ Best of Downtown

2024 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award; Target: Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll; Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

2024 CMQCC Maternal Data Center Super Star Award

2024 CMQCC Quality & Sustainability Award: Maternal Safety Standards Implementation

2024 Cal Hospital Compare Safety Honor Roll

2024 Cal Hospital Compare Opioid Care Honor Roll

2024 SCAN Health Plan Top Performing Medical Groups

2024 Blue Distinction® Designation for Maternity Care

2024 Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program Reaccredited by the California Medical Association

2023

2023 Digital Health Most Wired^® by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)

2023 Best Place to Work and Best Hospital Reader Recommended in Los Angeles Downtown News’ Best of Downtown

2023 CMQCC Maternal Data Center Super Star Award

American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award

American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award

2023 American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award

2023 Cal Hospital Compare Safety Honor Roll

2023 Cal Hospital Compare Opioid Care Honor Roll

2023 PIH Health Whittier Hospital Awarded Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Center

2023 Distinction as ACS Surgical Quality Partner

Corporate Structure

MARK DUBIN MD
President of Medical Staff at PIH Health Downey Hospital

WESLEY HEARTFIELD MD
President of Medical Staff at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital
‍(term concluded December 2023)  

MOEZ KHORSANDI DO
President of Medical Staff at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital
‍(term began January 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024)  

ADRIAN CRISAN MD
President of Medical Staff at PIH Health Whittier Hospital

Board of Directors

PIH Health was pleased to welcome our newest members to its fiscal year 2023-2024 Board of Directors—Thurso Barendse and Tracea Saraliev. Their terms began on February 2024.

THURSO BARENDSE
PIH Health, Inc., Board of Directors Fiscal Year 2024

Thurso Barendse has served as the chief financial officer of Vanguard Logistics Group as well as a director and management member of the advisory board of its holding company, OTS Topco Limited, for over nine years. Through these roles, Mr. Barendse has led top-line growth and improved bottom-line performance from 2014 to 2022 and expanded the company-owned network from 30 to 37 countries through a combination of acquisitions and greenfield investment operations. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles in private and public multinational companies on three continents, driving strategic growth, financial performance, and operational excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Barendse served as the chief financial officer of nonprofit Delivering Better Lives for 10 years, focused on supporting education, health, and community infrastructure programs for underprivileged communities. Mr. Barendse is a qualified chartered accountant in both South Africa and Australia and received his Bachelor of Accounting from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

TRACEA SARALIEV  
PIH Health, Inc., Board of Directors Fiscal Year 2024

Tracea Saraliev is the chief executive officer of Healthcare Innovation Associates where she invests in, advises, and buys/sells innovative healthcare companies. Ms. Saraliev also serves on the Board of Directors at Dominican Hospital, a CommonSpirit Health hospital in Northern California. Her experience spans Fortune 50, government, and nonprofit at some of the world’s most admired companies in the healthcare and investment banking industries. Ms. Saraliev previously served as system vice president, Strategy Growth & Development, at Trinity Health. In addition to her professional achievements in healthcare, Ms. Saraliev has served as a volunteer hospital chaplain and a champion for anti-human trafficking in healthcare. Ms. Saraliev holds a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University, where she was a Goldman Sachs Fellow, and Bachelor of Science degrees in both finance and accounting from New York University as a PriceWaterhouseCoopers Scholar.

PIH Health gives special thanks to Jay Brown, Blayne Cutler MD PhD, and Jane Dicus for their service on the PIH Health Board of Directors.

At the end of the fiscal year, Board Members Jay Brown, Blayne Cutler MD PhD, and Jane Dicus stepped down from the PIH Health Inc., Board of Directors. Mr. Brown has served on the PIH Health Board since 2023, Dr. Cutler has been a Board member for nearly 7 years, and Mrs. Dicus has been a member of the Board for 17 years. PIH Health thanks each of them for their expertise and leadership throughout the years.

PIH Health Financials

In Memoriam

It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that we honor important members of our community who passed away during the last year.

Charles T. Munger

Former Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Trustees chair and generous hospital supporter Charles T. Munger passed away on November 28, 2023 at the age of 99 years old.  

Mr. Munger had a deep dedication to the mission of Good Samaritan Hospital. As chair of the Board, he helped lead its integration into PIH Health. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1979 until its acquisition by PIH Heath in December 2019, and he served as chair since 1987.  

Mr. Munger was a businessman and investor and is best known as vice chair of Berkshire Hathaway, but he was also a real estate attorney, chair, and publisher of the Daily Journal Corp., a member of various boards, and a philanthropist. 

Over his 40-year tenure on the Good Samaritan Board, he helped oversee the significant expansion and modernization of the hospital and campus, including the 2017 opening of the medical pavilion, which includes the Frank R. Seaver Ambulatory Surgery Center. Additional progress made during his tenure on the Board includes the strengthening of the heart and vascular center; comprehensive orthopedic center; gastroenterology center; transfusion-free medicine & surgery center; women’s health services; ophthalmologic care; ear, nose and throat care; and oncology services, as well as offering accommodations for patients and families at the Weingart Guest House. Under his leadership, Good Samaritan Hospital made countless positive contributions to the community. 

He was a true American icon, and he has left a legacy at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital. He is survived by eight children and stepchildren, 15 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Generous Donors

CALENDAR YEAR 2024

Thank you to those who have made financial contributions to support the work of PIH Health this year. Recognized below are those who made donations in 2024. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.

$25,000+

$10,000+

$5,000+

$2,500+

$1,000+

$500+

^o = EMPLOYEE     ⁺⁺ = Physician      * = Board