St. Mary Medical Center Welcomes New Chief Medical Officer, Dr. James Keany

LONG BEACH ― Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center or SMMC Sept. 10 announced the appointment of Dr. James Keany, MD, MBA, FACEP, as its new Chief Medical Officer or CMO. In this role, Dr. Keany will oversee clinical operations, contribute to strategic planning, and provide leadership and support to the medical staff.

“Dr. Keany’s extensive knowledge in healthcare governance and quality improvement, combined with his passion for innovation, will be crucial in advancing our clinical operations,” said Carolyn Caldwell, Hospital President. “His dedication to enhancing patient care aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

With over three decades of clinical and leadership experience, Dr. Keany has a demonstrated history of achieving operational excellence and enhancing patient safety. Most recently, he served as the west region vice president for US Acute Care Solutions, where he was instrumental in patient-centered strategic planning and process optimization. He has also held key leadership positions at Providence Mission Hospital, including chief of staff and chair of the Quality Committee of the Board of Trustees.

“I am honored to join the executive team at St. Mary Medical Center, a hospital with a rich legacy of compassionate care,” said Dr. Keany. “The deep commitment to social justice for all deeply resonates with my own values. I am inspired by St. Mary’s innovative programs and am dedicated to advancing its mission while upholding the highest standards of medical excellence.”

Dr. Keany erned a Doctor of Medicine from the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles; a Post-Graduate Certification in Safety, Quality, Informatics, and Leadership from Harvard Medical School; and a Master of Business Administration from American Military University.