The pulmonologist has served as interim-president and CEO at the six-hospital health system since March, after CEO Mike McBride was fired.
Richard R. Vath, MD, has been named president and CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, the Baton Rouge-based provider said.
Vath has served as interim-president and CEO at the six-hospital health system since March, when then-CEO Mike McBride was fired after a little more than one year on the job.
"Character in the face of adversity is often a true test of leadership," Sister Barbara Arceneaux, Regional Minister, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, said in a media release.
"I will always be grateful for Dr. Vath's willingness to quickly step into an interim role as our health system leader earlier this spring. He is an advocate for Catholic healthcare and the unique opportunities we have to be the face of Christ to each person, especially those most in need," Arceneaux said.
The Franciscans health system fired McBride – without a vote of the board – in March, after 13 months on the job.
"Mr. McBride’s approach to his role as the leader of our system was not in keeping with our values and culture," Arceneaux told The Advocate at that time.
"The Sisters have the authority to take this action and, while unusual, we did so only after much prayer and discernment and continued communication with Mr. McBride about collaboration and the inclusion of others as demonstrating respect and shared responsibility," she said.
A day after McBride was fired Franciscan Health System Board Chairman James Moore Jr. resigned.
The leadership shuffle comes as Franciscan is finalizing a transfer of sponsorship of St. Dominic Health Services from Dominican Sisters. Upon completion of the transfer this summer, St. Dominic's will become part of the Franciscan Missionaries or Our Lady Health System.
Vath joined Franciscan in 2006 after two decades of private practice in pulmonology. He has served as chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge before joining the health system as its chief transformation officer.
“Character in the face of adversity is often a true test of leadership. ”
Sister Barbara Arceneaux, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady
John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Vath joined Franciscan in 2006 after two decades of private practice in pulmonology.
The leadership shuffle comes as Franciscan is finalizing a transfer of sponsorship of St. Dominic Health Services from Dominican Sisters.