Hospital CEO's Plans Give Community a Jolt

An April whitepaper details the study and affirms that the campus "represents new social, economic, education and wellness opportunities that can significantly improve the health and quality of life of local residents."

Of course that is far from guaranteeing financial viability. But Medaglia says he had little choice, because the economics of building a new safety net hospital in a declining reimbursement environment most certainly make that proposition financially unviable.

"It's just not viable to build a safety net hospital today," he says. "I would have been irresponsible to say, 'I'll put up a safety net hospital.'"

Still, many are skeptical about the prospects of such a project, which is expected to open at the end of 2016.  

"There have been many disbelievers," says Medaglia. "I could fill up my office with those people. But I really believe this concept can be replicated in New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or LA. It's something that can be duplicated, so I want it up and running right so other cities can use it and copy it."

He could also probably fill up his office, and more, with the people who will be rooting for him.