100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2024

In just two years since his appointment as CEO, Thomas has implemented a bold expansion plan at the Sacramento, California-headquartered system. Under his direction, Sutter has invested almost $1 billion in ambulatory growth, including 76 new care sites and more than 160 acute-care hospital beds. These kinds of efforts have boosted the 22-hospital organization’s ability to serve patients. Thomas has also been busy working with other leaders to reshape Sutter’s mission, vision and values; revamp career development initiatives; widen opportunities through residencies and career pathways; and add artificial intelligence-powered tools with the aim of easing administrative burdens on clinicians. Staff turnover dropped 23% this year as a result of such endeavors, and the organization has added about 1,500 physicians and advanced practice clinicians since Thomas came aboard.