West Hills, CA — After an extensive search, Saba Habis, MD, has been named as Chief Executive Officer at West Hills Hospital effective May 1. In his current role as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the HCA Healthcare South Atlantic Division, Dr. Habis leads physician strategy aimed at streamlining initiatives to improve patient outcomes and quality scores. He has become a trusted partner with his physician colleagues and brings with him a culture of transparency and authenticity.
Previously, Dr. Habis served as CMO at Riverside Community Hospital, a sister facility to West Hills Hospital, for four years where he played a pivotal role in leading clinical quality initiatives to improve patient care. During his tenure at Riverside, the institution achieved Leap Frog Grade A, Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence awards, Level II Trauma Center designation by ACS and Comprehensive Stroke Center accreditation by DNV.
“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Habis’ return to our Division in his new role as CEO of West Hills Hospital,” said Jackie Van Blaricum, president of the HCA Healthcare Far West Division. “Beyond his extensive medical experience and leadership, Saba brings strengths in operations, as well as a commitment to patients and the community.”
Dr. Habis received his Doctor of Medicine Degree from Damascus University in Damascus, Syria and completed his Internal Medicine, Chief Residency and Geriatric Fellowship at the University of Illinois. He is a Certified Physician Executive from the American Association for Physicians Leadership and most recently earned his Masters of Health Administration from the University of La Verne in May 2021. Dr. Habis also has several clinical researches and publications and was awarded the Trail Blazer Award for his community research by the Missouri Foundation for Health. As a perpetual student, he is fluent in three language and is a licensed private pilot. Lastly, Saba enjoys the outdoors and a good game of chess.
“It is an honor to accept the role of chief executive officer,” Dr. Habis said. “I’m looking forward to working with the West Hills Hospital’s team and medical staff to deliver the highest-quality health care services to the community.”
Dr. Habis and his family are in the process of relocating to Southern California.