David Gustafson is a distinguished healthcare executive with over 30 years of comprehensive, hands-on experience across various facets of the healthcare industry. He is the President of Gustafson + Associates, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in interim leadership, project management, business and program development, and company incubation within the healthcare sector. Under his leadership, the firm has executed numerous high-impact projects, including the development of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and the introduction of cutting-edge healthcare technologies such as the world’s first AI-driven hospital logistics system.
Gustafson’s career is marked by a series of notable roles and achievements in hospital and healthcare management. As CEO of Hemet Valley Medical Center, he successfully improved patient throughput, reduced emergency room wait times, and elevated patient satisfaction metrics. His tenure at Phoenix Health Systems Development saw him avert a hospital closure crisis while increasing patient census by over 80%. Similarly, his leadership at Alta Healthcare System resulted in substantial operational efficiencies and enhanced survey readiness.
David has also demonstrated a significant impact in business development and consulting. His strategic guidance helped a foreign Group Purchasing Organization expand its global outreach, and he played a crucial role in the growth and eventual sale of a stem cell company’s US operations. His expertise extends to providing interim leadership and support for physician-owned practices and hospitals, including the acquisition and integration of an oncology infusion center into hospital outpatient operations.
In his previous role as Executive Director of PrimeCare of Temecula and Sun City, David managed two Independent Physician Associations (IPAs) with 42,000 managed care members. His efforts resulted in reduced capitation leakage, a notable increase in primary care providers and senior membership, and significant improvements in quality measures.
Gustafson’s early career includes key positions at Panorama Community Hospital, Valley Hospital Medical Center, and Memorial Medical Center, where he led successful transitions, developed new service lines, and orchestrated hospital mergers. His background also includes influential roles in psychiatric and general acute care hospitals, where he achieved operational improvements and strategic growth.
David played a pivotal role in transforming healthcare access for the community during his tenure at Memorial Medical Center by orchestrating the successful merger of two hospitals. This achievement significantly improved the availability of specialty medical care, as it made the community more attractive for specialists to establish practices. Prior to the merger, specialists were reluctant to join due to the pressure from each hospital vying for their exclusive loyalty. As the CEO of a community not-for-profit hospital, David’s leadership was instrumental in fostering trust with the religious organization that owned the other hospital, which was crucial in facilitating the merger. His relationship-building skills and strategic vision ultimately enhanced healthcare services in the region.
David’s educational background includes a Master’s in Health Care Administration from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s in Business from Moorhead State University. His professional skills are highlighted by a strong emphasis on strategy, negotiation, marketing, and growth-oriented business practices.
Throughout his career, David has been dedicated to enhancing healthcare delivery and organizational efficiency. His extensive experience and leadership have significantly shaped the healthcare landscape, making him a valuable asset to any organization or initiative within the industry.
Character: David Gustafson is renowned for his integrity and commitment to excellence, consistently demonstrating a deep dedication to improving healthcare systems and patient outcomes. His leadership is marked by a strong ethical foundation and a genuine passion for enhancing the quality of care.
Knowledge: With extensive experience across various healthcare settings, David possesses a profound understanding of hospital management, healthcare administration, and business development. His expertise encompasses mergers and acquisitions, managed care, and innovative healthcare solutions, making him a valuable asset in any healthcare transformation.
Strategic: David excels in devising and implementing strategic plans that drive growth and operational efficiency. His strategic acumen is evidenced by successful projects such as developing Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and expanding global business lines for healthcare organizations.
Communication: Known for his exceptional communication skills, David effectively engages stakeholders at all levels, from C-suite executives to frontline staff. His ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and foster collaborative relationships enhances organizational performance and drives successful outcomes.
