Board Member, Division 2 — Palomar Health

First, hospital systems like Palomar Health are facing decreased reimbursement from Government and Private Insurers, lower elective surgical volumes while dealing with a global pandemic.  In my role on Palomar Health's Board, I would use my healthcare industry knowledge and experience to continue the discussion and bring action regarding the strategies and be fiscally conservative. he administration should be focused on.

Second, behavioral health resources are not so robust in North County. While they are improving with the addition of the new Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) at Palomar Medical Center – Escondido campus.  The CSU offers expanded mental health services and help decrease the patients in the Emergency Department.  More is needed to increase behavioral health services/providers in North County.

Third, we need to continue to be earlier adopters of technology and get ahead of the curb. As a healthcare provider, we cannot afford to endanger our quality of care by adopting new technology late in the game. In my role, I will fight to allocate funds toward keeping up with technology that could help improve our ability to serve our community

In August 2020, Palomar Health's Board of Directors held a vote on the CEO's pay increase. I was one of three Board members who did not vote for the pay increase for the CEO. (I and another Director voted no and another Director abstained. ) As an incumbent on the Palomar Health Board of Directors, I will continue to be a tough watchdog over administration and make patient and staff safety a high priority.

As chair of the Community Relations Committee, I brought in experts regarding anti-smoking/anti-vaping and oversaw the development of a letter from the entire Board that explained the importance of anti-smoking/anti-vaping. The letter was sent to San Diego County, the City of San Diego, School Board officials and others to encourage harsher regulations against smoking and vaping.

Additionally, I help oversee the strategic direction  and facilitate the meetings as my role as the Chair of Palomar Health Development, Inc., a California charitable nonprofit public benefit corporation organized in January 2005 to support Palomar Health by acquiring grant funding.

As an active Board Member, I participate in the following four committees: 1) Audit and Compliance, 2) Governance, 3) Strategy and Facilities, and 4) Community Relations (Chair). I also have served as an alternate for 1) Human Resources Committee, 2) Finance Committee; and 3) Quality Review Committee.

I have also represented the Board on various "Thank you events for the staff or volunteers", ranging from helping serve staff meals and ice cream socials during the afternoon, evening, and late-night shifts or 10, 15, 20, and 25 years anniversary celebration.