David Tam, MD, Beebe's New CEO & President
Beebe Healthcare has a new leader who is excited to become a part of the Beebe family and the Sussex County community.
The Board of Directors has selected David Tam, MD, as the next President & CEO of Beebe Healthcare. Dr. Tam, MBA, FACHE, will officially start in April. He said he is looking forward to his journey across the country and to getting to know his new community here in Sussex County.
Dr. Tam most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, part of Providence St. Joseph’s Health, one of the largest and most comprehensive not-for-profit health systems in the nation.
Beebe’s Board of Directors Chair, David Herbert, described Dr. Tam as the ideal candidate from an extensive list. Mr. Herbert noted his credentials, military background, and personal philosophy as a hands-on physician leader that is a good match for our Beebe Values. Dr. Tam also has an extensive background in fundraising and philanthropy and is looking forward to meeting donors and the Beebe Medical Foundation team.
His resume is extensive. Dr. Tam is credited with managing St. John’s transition from the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth to the Providence Health system. His accomplishments include opening a new telemetry unit and ambulatory surgery centers, optimizing inpatient and ambulatory surgeries, streamlining work-flows in the emergency department, managing service lines, and improving quality and safety throughout the hospital. He also oversaw the construction of an award winning $856 million hospital, Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, California, in his previous position as the Chief Administrative Officer of Pomerado Hospital and Palomar Health Downtown Campus at Palomar Health.
Dr. Tam is also a veteran. He retired as a Captain after 24 years of active service in the Navy. Prior to his work in the civilian sector, Dr. Tam served as Chief Operating Officer for the Western Region of Tri-Care, the U.S. military’s health insurance program that covers 2.9 million lives. He was also formerly Deputy Commander, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer at Naval Medical Center, San Diego, the military’s largest academic tertiary medical center.
His background leads to many of his passions, like issues related to social determinants of health, such as poverty, veterans’ needs, rural healthcare, diversity, as well as community and value-based care.
Dr. Tam received his medical doctorate from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. He completed his pediatrics residency at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, California, and a pediatric neurology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia.
He called it a privilege to join Beebe with its 104-year history and strong leadership team and medical staff.
“The future for Beebe is exciting given its expansion and goal of creating a comprehensive health system to serve its community,” Dr. Tam said. “I am honored to be selected for this important work and look forward to the opportunity of continuing this momentum in Creating the Next Generation of Care for Sussex County.”
Dr. Tam has already noted the beauty of the coast and friendly community members during his visits. He is married and has two children.