St. John’s Hospitals appoint new president
Just one month after the departure of Patrick Caster, St. John’s Hospitals in Ventura County has announced plans for its next chief executive. Announced Nov. 4, Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Camarillo Hospital have appointed Doug Kleam as their new president, effective Dec. 1.
Kleam currently serves as the hospital president at Dignity Health’s St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino, a position he has held since 2017. During his tenure at St. Bernardine, Kleam successfully developed profitable joint ventures and significantly expanded the Graduate Medical Education residency program, transforming the facility into a large teaching hospital, according to a press release.
Additionally, St. Bernardine Medical Center has improved in patient satisfaction, safety, and the delivery of high-quality care, elevating its Leapfrog Grade from C to A and its CMS rating from 2-star to 4-star under his guidance.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join both St. John’s Hospitals as the new President,” Kleam said.
“Both hospitals have a strong legacy of compassionate care and innovation, and I am deeply committed to building upon that foundation. My top priority will always be our patients – ensuring they receive the highest quality, most accessible care possible, delivered with empathy and respect. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional staff and the community to further advance our mission.”
Before taking on the role at St. Bernardine, Kleam served as the COO at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Redlands and is actively involved in academia, serving on an advisory committee at California State University, San Bernardino.
“St. John’s Hospitals have a rich history of serving Ventura County, and we are excited for this next chapter under Doug Kleam’s leadership,” said Julie J. Sprengel, California region president for CommonSpirit Health.
“His extensive experience and commitment to operational excellence will be crucial as we continue to grow and adapt to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community. We are confident he will uphold St. John’s legacy while driving innovation and delivering exceptional patient care.”
