Lara Khouri Takes the Helm as CEO of Miller Children's & Women's Hospital

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital in Long Beach has recently announced the appointment of Lara Khouri, MBA, MPH, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Khouri brings a wealth of experience in pediatric and maternal health care, having previously served as president and chief operating officer at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

In her new role, Khouri will oversee the hospital's operations and strategic growth, with a special focus on enhancing pediatric specialty services and maternity care across the region. One of her primary goals is to expand access to these essential services, ensuring that families benefit from the hospital’s legacy of community-based collaboration and physician-led care.

Khouri emphasizes the unique model of Miller Children's & Women's, which integrates pediatric and women’s health care under one roof. In her own words, "What distinguishes Miller Children's & Women's is not only the depth of clinical expertise, but the intentional integration of pediatric and women's care under one model." She recognizes the importance of balancing excellence in clinical care with compassionate patient support, stating, "These priorities must advance together."

Innovation and technology will play a pivotal role in her strategy. Khouri is keen on leveraging artificial intelligence platforms and enhancing digital capabilities to better service the community. Additionally, she is committed to maintaining a patient- and family-centered care model, which encapsulates the hospital's mission to develop specialized programs tailored to individual needs. "By leveraging advanced analytics, research, and emerging technologies — while keeping patients and families at the center — we can scale responsibly without losing what makes this organization exceptional," she explains.

Under Khouri’s leadership, the hospital will also continue to fulfill its role as a teaching institution. It aims to train future pediatric subspecialists, maternal-fetal specialists, and OB-GYNs, thereby fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders in these critical fields. Khouri plans to reinvest in programs vital for the community, such as regional transport services that enable high-acuity patients from smaller hospitals to access the advanced care available at Miller Children's & Women's.

A notable aspect of this appointment is its timing, coinciding with Women's History Month. "Welcoming a top woman leader like Lara to our organization underscores our commitment to advancing women in medicine and shaping the future of women's and children's health," comments David Kim, M.D., president of MemorialCare. This sentiment reinforces the organization’s dedication to diversity and excellence in leadership.

Reflecting on her personal connection to the community, Khouri shares, "As a former Long Beach resident, this is a full circle moment for my family and me. I’m excited for the future of pediatric and women’s health care in Long Beach and beyond."

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital is an essential part of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit integrated health system. It is recognized as one of only eight free-standing children's hospitals in California and boasts pioneering technology, such as the 7D Surgical System for pediatric spine surgery. The hospital currently treats nearly 13,000 children each year and acts as a regional hub for more than 69,000 children requiring specialized outpatient care, thanks to resources like the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children's Village Outpatient Center.

As Lara Khouri steps into her new position, the healthcare community watches closely, eager to witness the positive transformation and growth she aims to bring to Miller Children's & Women's Hospital, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in pediatric and women's health care.