Forward-thinking South Bay Hospital Executive will transition to new role on July 1
Kenneth (Ken) West has been named President and Chief Executive Officer at Regional Medical Center of San Jose. Since 2009, West has worked at HCA Healthcare hospitals in Virginia, Florida, and California with increasing responsibility in executive leadership roles. West joined Regional Medical Center in 2018 as Chief Operating Officer.
HCA Healthcare Far West Division President Brian Cook says West is an innovative leader whose patient-centric focus supports clinical team efforts to strengthen care excellence.
“Ken cares deeply about our colleagues and physicians who deliver top-notch care to our diverse communities spanning from the Central Coast to San Jose and throughout Northern California,” Cook says. “His dynamic leadership style is a wonderful balance of collaboration, intellect, listening and coaching and I am delighted he will lead this hospital as it evolves to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve.”
West will oversee the advancement of culture, hospital operations, clinical quality, financial resiliency, growth and staff of more than 1300 colleagues, as well as managing relationships with 630 physician partners.
“It’s truly an honor to continue my service to this organization and community in a new capacity as its chief executive, “says West. “Regional Medical Center is a special place with amazing people and I look forward to reaching more people than ever before with the vital health care services they need.
West has a wealth of industry knowledge including service line development, operations, strategic planning, technology evaluation and strong leadership development. Over the past three and a half years at Regional Medical Center, he gained a robust understanding of the nuances throughout the San Jose community while the hospital also serves Central and Northern California regions.
Regional Medical Center is certified by the Joint Commission and has also received accreditations and certifications including the following: American College of Surgeons verified Level II Trauma Center, Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, County of Santa Clara designated STEMI Receiving Center and County of Santa Clara designated Trauma Center. Healthgrades has recognized the hospital as a Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 4 Years in a Row (2018-2021); as a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Pneumonia in 2021; as a Five-Star Recipient for Colorectal Surgeries for 3 Years in a Row (2019-2021); as a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Pancreatitis in 2021; and as a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Sepsis for 2 Years in a Row (2020-2021).
Previously to joining Regional Medical Center, West served as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Ethics & Compliance officer at HCA Healthcare’s Medical Center of Trinity in Trinity Florida. Prior to that assignment, he was an Associate Chief Operating Officer at Chippenham & Johnston-Willis Medical Center in Richmond, VA.
Among his many accolades, West has been recognized by the California Diversity Council as one of Northern California’s Top 50 Diverse Leaders (2020), awarded the Service Award by the America College of Healthcare Executives and the California Association of Healthcare Leaders (2020) and named by Becker’s Hospital Review Rising Stars: Top 25 Healthcare Leaders under 40 (2014). West received his Masters of Science Degree in Health Systems Administration from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutritional Sciences from Louisiana State University.
West will begin his new role at Regional Medical Center on July 1, 2021.