Becker’s Hospital Review: Thomas Priselac Reflects on 30 Years Guiding Cedars-Sinai

Becker’s Hospital Review recently interviewed Cedars-Sinai President and CEO Thomas M. Priselac—who is retiring in September after 45 years with the organization—and his successor, Peter Slavin, MD, about the culture and vision for the broader health system.

Priselac told Becker’s Hospital Review he is proud of the greater impact Cedars-Sinai has had on patients. The academic healthcare organization comprises more than 40 locations and 4,500 doctors and nurses. He hopes future leaders will further Cedars-Sinai’s commitment to its core values and innovation.

“What I’m most proud of, frankly, is the difference that our work here and the growth of Cedars-Sinai represents in terms of the impact it’s had on the lives, first and foremost, of our patients and their families,” he said, “and then, second, the difference that I hope that’s been made in the professional and personal lives of the incredible people here at Cedars-Sinai who have made it all possible.”

Slavin, who will become president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Health System on Oct. 1, told Becker’s Hospital Review he was excited about continuing the work of Priselac, whom he called, “a giant in the field and a giant at Cedars-Sinai.”

“One thing that I learned about Cedars-Sinai during this process that I was very attracted to was the culture of the organization,” Slavin said. “How patient-focused it is. How collaborative it is. And how much people who work there love the institution, love being there.

“Certainly, one of my priorities will be to do whatever I can to strengthen, sustain that type of culture. It can not only lead to an environment that people love being part of, but it leads to better patient care.”

Click here to read the complete article from Becker’s Hospital Review.