Loma Linda Murrieta Confirms Resignation of CEO, Names Interim

Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta confirmed the resignation of CEO/President Bruce Christian as the hospital "ramps up its programs and services," according to a news release issued Wednesday morning.

Mel Sauder, a Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta board member involved in the earliest stages of developing the hospital in Murrieta, has been named interim CEO of Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta, following the resignation of Christian, said hospital Spokesperson Kathryn Stiles.

"Sauder is thoroughly knowledgeable of the Southwest Riverside County region and has been a member of the Loma Linda University Medical Center executive team for several years," Stiles continued.

"With a career in health care that has spanned over 20 years, he will be able to draw from his knowledge of the region as well as his strong background in hospital operations to provide leadership for the next phase of the hospital’s growth."

Christian was recruited to bring reality to the vision of a hospital providing much-needed medical care to the fast-growing region of Southwest Riverside County, according to Stiles.

"Three years later, he achieved success in reaching this goal with the opening of Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta on April 15," Stiles said. "Since its opening, the hospital has seen more than 950 patients.

The five-story, 256,000-square-foot Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta features a number of advanced and high-tech services and programs, including 106-all private patient rooms, a 19-bed Emergency Department, GI Lab, Imaging Services, Hybrid Operating room, Cardiac Cath Labs, Intensive Care and a Labor and Delivery unit.

The facility will feature more than 250 board-certified physicians and 400 healthcare professionals and support staff to serve the patients who seek treatment at the hospital, Stiles said.

“We are very pleased with the progress we have seen with Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta, and we are looking forward to building on our promising start and continuing our strong partnership with the local communities,” said Dr. John Piconi, chairman of the LLUMC-Murrieta Board of Managers.

“We recognize and appreciate Mr. Bruce Christian’s work and wish him the best as he pursues his other endeavors,” Piconi said.

No further details were given about Christian's resignation.