The leadership philosophy of Loren B. Hamel, MD is centered on achieving the quality and performance results we are all called to produce as healthcare providers, balanced with providing heartfelt care for patients and team members.

Dr. Hamel serves as president of Spectrum Health Lakeland, based in southwest Michigan, and chief strategy officer at Spectrum Health. Prior to the two health systems integrating in 2018, he served as chief executive officer of Lakeland Health for nine years and held various other executive roles with the organization over the previous decade.

As CEO, Dr. Hamel successfully integrated into the Lakeland system the largest multispecialty medical practice in Berrien County; the former Community Hospital, Watervliet; and Hospice at Home, which resulted in the area’s only dedicated hospice residence. Organizational culture improvements are a hallmark of Dr. Hamel’s leadership. Through his “Bring Your Heart to Work” initiative, featured in Harvard Business Review, he shared his vision for connecting caregivers’ tasks to the heartfelt needs of those they serve. Under Dr. Hamel’s leadership, Lakeland launched a system-wide electronic health record and the organization became first in the state of Michigan, as well as in the region, to be certified at Stage 7 by HIMSS Analytics.

Dr. Hamel was a founding member of Affirmant Health Partners – the state’s largest clinically integrated network, composed of six of Michigan’s leading health systems, to deliver high-quality, cost-effective healthcare and improve the health of residents. He was named Chairman of Affirmant Health Partners in July of 2017. Dr. Hamel serves as past president and current board member for Michigan Health and Hospital Association Executive Committee. He is on the board for Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance and co-chair of Michigan’s Great Southwest Leadership Council.

Dr. Hamel graduated with honors from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, before going on to the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California. He also holds a master’s degree in health services administration degree from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. An experienced family physician, Dr. Hamel treated southwest Michigan residents for 23 years at University Medical Specialties in Berrien Springs.

Bio posted November 2020