Partners HealthCare, reeling from a rejection of its plan to take over three hospitals, has named Dr. David Torchiana, a cardiac surgeon and in-house executive, to become its next chief executive. Torchiana will lead Boston-based Partners, the state's largest employer and its largest health system, beginning in March. He will replace Dr. Gary Gottlieb, who is stepping down after five years in the job. Partners' board approved the appointment Wednesday night. Torchiana, who has been chief executive of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization since 2003, will provide "a steady hand for Partners in the years ahead," said Edward Lawrence, chairman of Partners' board.
