Q&A: Steve MacLauchlan, CEO, Saint Vincent Hospital

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Q: How and why did you get into your field?

A: My original goal was to pursue a graduate degree in English and teach. After my first year in graduate school, I decided to take a break and took a job with the U.S. Public Health Service. I discovered a real passion for health care, and wound up getting a graduate degree in health services administration.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

A: I’m proud to be a part of an organization that helps people every day. We help patients and their families deal with illness and injuries. We help our employees have meaningful and rewarding careers. I can’t think of a better business to be in.

Q: Tell me about one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your field.

A: Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable cost is the biggest challenge facing any hospital CEO. The cost of technology, drugs and a highly-skilled and educated workforce is staggering.

Q: What do you see happening in the future of your industry?

A: While we all take note of the scientific advances in medicine that are changing the way we deliver health care, and where we deliver it, the most significant change impacting our industry in the coming years is the move toward paying for value rather than volume.

This interview was conducted and edited by Alanna Moriarty.