Doug Lawson, Ph.D.
About Doug Lawson, Ph.D.
Doug Lawson, Ph.D., serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations for the Texas Division at CommonSpirit Health and has held the position of Chief Executive Officer at St. Luke's Health since 2018. With nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare administration, he focuses on enhancing hospital performance and patient satisfaction.
Work at CommonSpirit Health
Doug Lawson, Ph.D., serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations for the Texas Division at CommonSpirit Health. He has held this position since 2018, overseeing an integrated health network that includes 16 acute care hospitals and more than 270 access points across Greater Houston, East Texas, and the Brazos Valley. His leadership focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and patient care within the organization.
Leadership at St. Luke's Health
In addition to his role at CommonSpirit Health, Doug Lawson has been the Chief Executive Officer at St. Luke's Health since 2018. Under his leadership, the organization has aimed to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in the Texas Division. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to operational excellence and community health.
Career Background in Healthcare Administration
Doug Lawson has nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare administration. He began his career by leading the cancer program at Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic in Temple, Texas. His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer at Baylor University Medical Center and President at Baylor Scott & White Health, where he focused on turning around underperforming hospitals and enhancing patient experience.
Education and Expertise
Doug Lawson holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Dallas Baptist University, which he earned between 2011 and 2016. He also obtained a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University from 1990 to 1992. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Texas A&M University from 1988 to 1990. His educational background supports his extensive expertise in healthcare management.
Achievements in Patient Satisfaction
During his tenure at Cabell-Huntington Hospital, Doug Lawson led initiatives that significantly improved patient satisfaction ratings. His leadership helped elevate these ratings from the single digits to the 90th percentile, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing patient experience and operational performance in healthcare settings.