The first 90 days: Jim Beatty, President & COO, MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
By MultiCare Health System
Jim Beatty joined MultiCare as President & Chief Operating Officer for MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital on Feb. 10, 2020 — just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the country — bringing more than 20 years of executive leadership experience to the organization. Prior to MultiCare, he served as the chief operating officer at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, a 351-bed facility in Overland Park, Kansas. Prior to Overland Park, he was the COO at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana, and Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics, from UCLA and his Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas. Jim retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of service as an aviator.
Our editorial team had the chance to sit down and talk with Jim recently about joining MultiCare, what it’s like being a new hospital leader during a pandemic, and more.
Q: Why did you join MultiCare?
A: Throughout my interview process the commitment to MultiCare’s mission, vision and values was very consistent. It’s evident that MultiCare places great importance on improving the health of the communities it serves.
Q: What do you think Good Samaritan’s greatest strengths are?
A: Our employees are extremely dedicated and the support from our community is outstanding! Good Sam is a special place with a great culture.
Q: What’s surprised you in your first few months?
A: The onset of COVID-19 was definitely a surprise!
I was greeted very warmly by the staff and it was easy to integrate into the leadership team. Everyone has been great to work with — even during stressful times.
Q: What’s it been like learning a new hospital and new employees during a pandemic?
A: There is a silver lining to most difficult circumstances — including the COVID-19 pandemic. It gave me an opportunity to work with the Good Sam team closely and in ways that I wouldn’t have in normal circumstances. I am still learning about the hospital, but in many ways the COVID-19 crisis accelerated my learning process.
Q: What’s one thing you want your employees to know about you?
A: The most important things to me are to provide a high quality of care and an excellent patient experience.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I like to spend time with my family. My wife and I recently became empty-nesters and we are looking forward to taking advantage of the activities the Northwest has to offer.
