HASC is pleased to welcome Michael J. Ditoro, PharmD, as chief executive officer for Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs. In this role, he leads the largest hospital in Desert Care Network, home to the Coachella Valley’s only Level 1 Trauma Center.
Ditoro joined Desert Regional as chief operating officer in 2018 and was promoted to chief administrative officer in 2022. He previously served as CEO of Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, Ill.
Michele Finney, who previously served dual roles as CEO of Desert Regional and Desert Care Network, will remain group CEO for the three-hospital system. Operated by Tenet Healthcare, the system serves the desert communities of Southern California.
“Mike’s strong leadership, proven track record at Desert Regional and unwavering commitment to excellence have been extremely valuable to our success,” Finney said. “He will bring an intensive focus to accomplishing our goals at Desert Regional and fulfilling our commitment to care for the communities we serve.”
Finney said she will dedicate her time to strategic network priorities, including seismic preparedness and systemwide growth, across the three hospitals and related outpatient centers. Ditoro said he is proud to continue advancing health care for citizens in the greater Palm Springs area.
“It has been an honor to serve Desert Regional Medical Center, which has a long history of health care leadership in our region,” Ditoro said.
“I look forward to continuing to build upon the work of our excellent team of clinical providers and health care professionals,” he said. “Over the past seven years, my family and I have fallen in love with the Coachella Valley, and I am excited to help in the continued growth of our hospital and the community.”
Desert Care Network represents three hospitals and related outpatient services: Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio and Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. The network includes three trauma centers and a stroke network, anchored by the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and only comprehensive stroke center. Its Women and Infants Center includes the desert’s highest-level intensive care unit for newborns. Learn more at www.DesertCareNetwork.com.