Since 1982, hospital’s chief executive steered steady expansion of facilities and services

From the addition of a cancer center to plans for a cardiovascular center, Chuck Wright’s decade-long tenure as head of Providence Medford Medical Center marked the most dramatic changes at the hospital since the 1980s.

Wright’s last day as chief executive was Friday.

"When I came here, the hospital was struggling financially," Wright said. "Asante (Health System) was trying to buy the hospital. Being able to turn the hospital around financially and double in size has been a great personal accomplishment for me."

A nationwide search for a new chief begins Monday. Providence contracted with Quick Leonard Kieffer to do the search, expected to take up to six months.

"There has already been interest expressed from around the country, so I don’t anticipate having difficulty finding a top-notch executive," said Russ Danielson, Providence’s chief executive for Oregon.

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Meanwhile, John Schwartz from Advocate Health System in Chicago will serve as the medical center’s interim chief executive. Schwartz has about 30 years of experience in health-care administration, Danielson said.

Wright, 53, said he decided to resign from Providence to spend more time with family. He said he plans to spend the summer traveling with his wife, Jody "Jo" Wright.

"I’ve really enjoyed this job, but it’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Wright said. "That’s a lot of stress and time away from family and friends."

In the fall, he said he will start considering his next career move, which could be in health care, small business or another venture. For now, he plans to remain in Medford.

Wright joined Providence Health System in 1982 as an administrative resident at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. The nonprofit system has locations in Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington. Wright came to Providence Medford 13 years ago as chief operating officer.

Wright was promoted to chief executive in 1995.

As the hospital’s head, he oversaw the addition of a breast center, cancer center, spine- treatment program, a laboratory and diagnostic imaging department, two medical office buildings and more emergency room space. The number of physicians in Providence Medford Medical Group nearly tripled and new clinics opened in Shady Cove, Jacksonville and Medford.

Wright said the changes were a response to the community’s desire for choice in health-care services, based on an annual survey.

"One of the benefits of having two hospitals is one of the two can be full or a piece of equipment can break down, and having a level of redundancy is helpful," Wright said.

The changes under Wright’s leadership were the most significant in 15 years, Danielson said.

Wright’s management, growth in the Rogue Valley and rivalry between Providence and Medford-based Asante helped drive the growth, he said.

"Chuck has done a terrific job in terms of growing clinical programs and running a first-class health-care organization," Danielson said. "He has done a great job working with physicians and employees and has left a strong leadership team."

Expanded emergency room space is set to open up in August.

Future plans at Providence call for a cardiovascular center, more outpatient care, more parking and renovated surgical units holding 160 private beds.

Scott Kelly, Asante’s vice president for planning, marketing and business development, said Wright has struggled with "balancing the demands of a large out-of-town health-care corporation and what’s best for us here at home in the Rogue Valley."

In response, Wright challenged Kelly’s perception of who is "local."

"Asante likes to portray themselves as the local provider, but Providence has been here since 1911," Wright said.

Kelly said the decision to add a cardiovascular center at Providence is an irresponsible use of resources. Rogue Valley Medical Center’s cardiovascular center, owned by Asante, has been ranked among the top in the nation four times by Solucient, a health care information resource.

"Providence duplicating that is unnecessary," Kelly said.

But Wright shot back at Kelly’s charge.

"I think they’re afraid of honest competition," Wright said, adding that "Billings Mont., has two hospitals and both have top cardio programs."

Wright said Providence faces many of the same challenges as other hospitals, including taking on more charity and debt patients confronting and doctor and nurse shortages.

But he said Providence "is very well positioned for the future."

Reach reporter Paris Achen at 776-4496 or e-mail pachen@mailtribune.com.