Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has appointed Sam Hessami, MD, MHA, FACHE, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) effective immediately. As a double board-certified physician with nearly two decades of clinical and leadership expertise in hospital department management and service line development, along with clinical quality, safety, and utilization improvement experience, he brings a well- rounded breadth of knowledge to the position. In this role he will advise and lead physicians in support of ARMC’s mission and goals, and work with senior leadership to refine the hospital’s strategic direction.
In his most recent role as chief patient safety officer at St. Joseph’s Health System, a 651-bed academic medical center in New Jersey, he developed and implemented a comprehensive system-wide educational plan to advance the concept of a “safe and just culture.” Other notable career accomplishments include driving the strategic direction of Hackensack Meridian Palisades Women’s Group, which resulted in expanded women’s services and creating and managing a new hospital-sponsored faculty practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“Dr. Hessami’s distinguished career makes him an ideal candidate to lead ARMC’s medical team and spearhead innovative initiatives for continued advancements at the medical center,” said ARMC Hospital Director, William Gilbert. “His broad experience in hospital administration, combined with his significant assets pertinent to patient safety and quality of care, make him an excellent fit with our vision and culture for ensuring patient well-being, while overseeing enhancements to our service-lines and programs.”
Over the span of his career, Dr. Hessami’s progressive leadership roles include serving as an elected member of the medical board, division director, residency program director, and medical director. In addition, he holds an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.
"I am excited to be working with this talented team of physicians and staff at ARMC who serve the health care needs of the community with excellence in patient care every day,” said Dr. Hessami. “Patient safety is paramount at this time and I welcome this opportunity to guide the medical center through critical next steps, while also leading the team toward achieving the goals of the strategic plan for ARMC as a whole.”
Dr. Hessami received his Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) at Ohio University, and earned his medical degree from New York Medical College. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the State University of New York (SUNY).
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