(Providence, RI) – Care New England Health System (CNE) announces that Paari Gopalakrishnan, MD, MBA, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kent Hospital, has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer at GBMC HealthCare (Greater Baltimore Medical Center) in Maryland. He will remain with Kent Hospital through mid-September to assist with transition planning as CNE launches a national search for his successor.
“While we are saddened to see Dr. Gopalakrishnan depart, we are incredibly proud of this well-earned next step in his career,” said Michael Wagner, MD, FACP, President and CEO of Care New England. “Over the past three years, his leadership has propelled Kent Hospital to new heights in clinical excellence, operational performance, and patient-centered care.”
During Dr. Gopalakrishnan’s tenure, Kent Hospital has earned recognition for excellence in key service lines, including Emergency Medicine, Geriatrics, and Orthopedic Surgery. He also spearheaded a major financial turnaround and led the planning of an upcoming renovation of the Emergency Department and Ambulatory Services building, set to begin this fall.
Dr. Gopalakrishnan joined Kent Hospital in 2009 as the Director of the Inpatient Medical Group, was appointed as Chief Medical Officer in 2018, and was appointed President and COO in 2022. In addition to his leadership at Kent, he has played an integral role on the executive team at Care New England, contributing to strategic initiatives across the health system.
“Serving the patients, staff, and community at Kent Hospital has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Dr. Gopalakrishnan. “I’m grateful for the talented and dedicated team I’ve had the honor to work alongside, and I leave confident that Kent’s best days lie ahead.”
Care New England will share updates regarding interim leadership and the national search process in the coming weeks.
“We are looking forward to a smooth transition and continuity of all clinical services and hospital operations,” added Dr. Wagner. “Kent Hospital has a talented and dedicated leadership team who I am confident will continue to advance our commitment to caring for the greater Warwick community in the weeks ahead.”
About Care New England
Care New England Health System is a trusted organization that fuels the latest advances in medical research, attracts the nation’s top specialty-trained doctors, hones renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in the important discussions people need to have about their health and end-of-life wishes. Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in the ongoing effort to ensure the health of the individuals and communities we serve.
CNE was founded in 1996, and today it is the parent organization of Butler Hospital, Kent Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Care New England Medical Group, the VNA of Care New England, The Providence Center, and Integra, a certified accountable care organization (ACO). Care New England includes 749 licensed beds and 102 infant bassinets. Through Butler, Kent, and Women & Infants hospitals, Care New England has a teaching and research affiliation with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Kent is also a teaching affiliate of The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
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