FOCUS ON : LEADERSHIP
Leading the way
Introducing our new Chief Operating Officer
In the realm of healthcare , the role of the Chief Operations Officer ( COO ) extends far beyond the confines of a traditional job description . While tasked with driving and producing desired results associated with service excellence , quality clinical outcomes and financial integrity , the essence of this pivotal role goes beyond mere responsibilities on paper . So just what does it really entail , and who is really cut out for a job like that ? Enter Matt Malinak . Matt succeeds Janice Whitmire , who served the Baylor Scott & White Healthcare system for 35 years , with her final years at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth in the role of COO . As Janice sailed into a well-deserved retirement , Matt joined the Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth administrative team to take the reins of this important role .
No stranger to Fort Worth , Matt is returning to the North Texas community where he began and grew his hospital operations career . He has held leadership positions at Kindred Hospital of Fort Worth , Kindred Hospital Tarrant County and Tenet Healthcare of Dallas . Most recently , Matt served as COO and Interim – Chief Executive Officer at Texoma Medical Center , a Universal Health Services facility in Denison , Texas .
Matt earned a master ’ s degree in health informatics from the University of Tennessee and master ’ s degrees in health services administration and business administration from Xavier University . He is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives .
Please join me in welcoming Matt as the newest addition to the Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth leadership team . administrative residency and function in an assistant CEO capacity which provided me access and exposure to the full spectrum of healthcare from prenatal to long-term acute care , skilled nursing , inpatient rehabilitation , varying outpatient services and hospice . Much of this training occurred in Fort Worth where I grew my understanding of the tightly knit medical district , grew relationships with physicians and healthcare stakeholders , and developed partnerships with the medical community , including Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth . I was also fortunate my previous organization allowed me opportunities to be challenged and grow . Joining the Fort Worth team was like reuniting with friends and family .
When does your typical day start and end ?
The COO role is a 24 / 7 commitment , supported by regular office hours . With 75 % of the operations occurring outside of business hours , it is important to stay connected and plugged in with the team . Night and weekend rounds are a common practice to visit with patients , families , staff and physicians . Some of the best feedback and ideas come from rounding with
patients and staff during these off hours .
What are you most proud of since you have been at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth ?
I am most proud of being part of this high-performing and high-functioning team . Within my first 90 days , this team has achieved amazing accomplishments , from the completion of the Joint Commission triennial survey to being voted Best Place to Have a Baby in DFW . I am excited to be a part of the future of Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth and help shape the evolving medical community of Fort Worth and surrounding communities .
What do you do for fun when you are not working ?
I enjoy spending time with my wife , Christina , at the horse ranch . Christina is a professional hunter / jumper rider and trainer . She competes and trains across the country with client horses . Christina also imports young horses from Europe and trains them to compete . It is exciting to watch Christina take a timid young horse and transform it into a confident hunter . I often am the support staff , tacking up the horses , feeding and mucking .
How have your past experiences prepared you to be the chief operating officer at the Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth ?
From the start of my education and career I have been immersed in healthcare management , specifically hospital operations . This has allowed me time to grow my understanding of the vast field of hospital operations and learn through experience . I was fortunate to complete an
Matt with his wife , Christina
Matt in his role as support staff for his wife
THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SPRING 2024 3