Tulane Health System names Hiral Patel CEO of Lakeview Regional campus

Tulane Health System has named Hiral Patel – a healthcare executive with leadership experience throughout the health system – chief executive officer of Lakeview Hospital , a campus of Tulane Medical Center. 

“We conducted a nationwide search for this vital role, and it confirmed that Hiral – from her unique experience to her track record of success to her positive, energetic demeanor – is the best person to continue our efforts to grow and improve our services on the Northshore and beyond,” said Dr. William Lunn, Tulane Health System’s president and CEO. “Her experience within Tulane has proven invaluable as we continue to integrate our campuses and use the best of both to improve the health system as a whole.”

For the last two years, Patel served as Lakeview Regional’s chief operating officer, helping shepherd several key initiatives for the hospital such as becoming a campus of Tulane Medical Center and becoming the first and only trauma center in St. Tammany Parish. Prior to that role, she served as assistant chief operating officer for Tulane Health System, where she led key strategies such as the relocation of its pediatric service line to Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children in Metairie and the establishment of the first Comprehensive Stroke Center in New Orleans at Tulane Medical Center’s downtown campus.

For the last two years, Patel served as Lakeview Regional’s chief operating officer.

“I congratulate Hiral and feel confident she will make special efforts to promote unity and teamwork, which are always essential for a successful mission and vision,” said Willie Paretti, a member of the Tulane Health System governing board and chairman of the Lakeview Regional  board of trustees advisory committee. 

Patel is originally from Savannah, Georgia, where she completed her undergraduate degree in health administration at Armstrong State University. She earned her Master of Health Administration degree from Tulane University, and she has a certification in LEAN healthcare management from University of Michigan. 

In addition to her involvement in several local healthcare organizations, Patel serves as the vice-chair of the Youth Service Bureau Board of Directors in Covington and is a CASA volunteer. In 2017, she was selected by New Orleans City Business as “One to Watch in Healthcare” and in 2018 was awarded “Distinguished Alumnus” by the Tulane Healthcare Management Student Leadership Association.

“The opportunity to lead Lakeview Regional as CEO is an honor and blessing,” Patel said. “I have been witness to all the great things our physicians, caretakers and teams do every day, and I look forward to advancing our strategy and mission to continue to make a positive impact in our community.”

Patel succeeds previous CEO Bret Kolman, who was recently named CEO at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. Tulane Health System is currently conducting a nationwide search for a new chief operating officer.