Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Camarillo Hospital have appointed Doug Kleam as their new hospital president, effective Dec. 1.
Kleam brings a distinguished record of leadership and operational excellence and is poised to significantly advance health care initiatives across Ventura County.
He has served since 2017 as hospital president at Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino. During his tenure, Kleam developed profitable joint ventures and significantly expanded the Graduate Medical Education (GME) residency program, transforming the facility into a large teaching hospital.
Under his guidance, St. Bernardine achieved remarkable improvements in patient satisfaction, safety and delivery of high-quality care. The medical center raised its Leapfrog grade from C to A and its CMS rating from two stars to four.
“St. John’s Hospitals have a rich history of serving Ventura County, and we are excited for this next chapter under Doug Kleam’s leadership,” said Julie J. Sprengel, president and chief executive officer, CommonSpirit Health California Region. “His extensive experience and commitment to operational excellence will be crucial as we continue to grow and adapt to meet the evolving health care needs of the community.”
Kleam’s operational expertise, strategic planning capabilities and collaborative spirit will be instrumental in advancing St. John’s Hospitals’ mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality care. He looks forward to deepening his involvement and engagement with the Ventura community.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join both St. John’s Hospitals as the new president,” Kleam said. “Both hospitals have a strong legacy of compassionate care and innovation, and I am deeply committed to building upon that foundation.
“My top priority will always be our patients — ensuring they receive the highest quality, most accessible care possible, delivered with empathy and respect,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional staff and the community to further advance our mission.”
Prior to returning to Dignity Health, Kleam served as chief operating officer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Redlands and serves on an advisory committee at California State University San Bernardino. He is active with a San Bernardino County Emergency Medical Services committee for improved ambulance turnaround time and a meaningful 5150 taskforce.