Hamilton Health Sciences’ Rob MacIsaac stepping away after a decade of transformative leadership

After a decade of transformative leadership to Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and the provincial health system, Rob MacIsaac has decided not to renew his contract in 2024 and will step away from his position as President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the coming months.

Rob will continue to be President and CEO until a successor is identified through a global search led by the HHS Board of Directors.

During his tenure, Rob has enabled advancements that position HHS at the forefront of Ontario hospitals and strengthen our capability to collaborate across programs, sites, communities and regions to achieve the hospital’s vision of best care for all.

“On behalf of HHS’ board of directors, I would like to thank Rob for his vision, leadership and many contributions to our hospital and the communities we serve,” says Keith Monrose, chair, HHS board of directors. “He has undoubtedly left HHS in a strong position for continued success.”

During his time as President & CEO, Rob led HHS to achieve many advancements in patient care, including:

• the largest implementation of a continuous quality improvement management system in a Canadian hospital
• bringing a modern electronic health record system (Epic) online to improve patient safety and operational efficiency
• a program to renew HHS’ aging fleet of medical and diagnostic equipment
• implementing the organization’s first-ever plan for equity, diversity and inclusion
• securing provincial government approval for a 20-year facility renewal plan
• the start of two major hospital redevelopments, and several important capital projects completed; and
• positioning HHS at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic response in Ontario.

Rob’s leadership beyond HHS has also helped elevate the hospital’s position as a relied-upon contributor in the province and Canada. He helped lead the establishment of the Ontario Health Team structure in Hamilton and has served on the board of directors for the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario and its successor within the Ontario Hospital Association and as the Chair of the Board for HealthCare Canada and Civic Action.

Rob’s accomplishments at HHS will be duly acknowledged and celebrated during the months ahead.