Dr. Phil Wong, CEO of Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, Named Finalist for Hospital CEO of the Year by Los Angeles Business Journal
Gateways Hospital’s Phil Wong Recognized for Accomplishments That Have Made Strides in Providing Better Quality Mental Health Care across Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA (August 24, 2023) – Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center is thrilled to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Phil Wong, has been honored as a finalist for the prestigious title of “Hospital CEO of the Year” by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This recognition commends Dr. Wong’s exceptional leadership, innovative vision, and dedicated commitment to advancing mental and behavioral health services in the Los Angeles community.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Wong has implemented strategic initiatives that have not only enhanced patient outcomes but have also fostered a culture of compassion, inclusivity, and growth within the organization. His hands-on approach to leadership, combined with his deep understanding of the healthcare industry, has positioned Gateways as a beacon of hope and healing for individuals facing mental health challenges.
“Being named as a finalist for the ‘Hospital CEO of the Year’ award is a true testament to the collective efforts of our incredible team at Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center,” said Dr. Phil Wong. “This recognition underscores our shared commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve and further strengthens our resolve to continue providing high quality mental health care to the most vulnerable Angelenos.”
The recent pandemic has placed a spotlight on the need for mental and behavioral health care – especially among vulnerable and traditionally underserved populations. While Gateways has always served those with few resources, Dr. Wong’s leadership took the mandate to bring care to those in need to its fullest extent. Under his leadership over the last six years, Gateways has expanded the annual number of patients served by 12% across all populations.
As the need for mental health care expands, California faces a significant shortage in personnel qualified to deliver such services. The nationally recognized shortage of individuals available to provide medical services (and mental health care in particular) has created pockets of disparity and inequity in Los Angeles and across California.
To address the growing need, Dr. Wong has led Gateways’ efforts to attract individuals to and retain them in the mental health fields. Under Dr. Wong’s direction, Gateways has also helped create employment opportunities for Angelenos. Gateways currently provides paid internships to as many as 80 interns. In recent months, the hospital has received more than $1.5 million in funding for the internship program, helping to guarantee a supply of practitioners in years to come. In addition, Dr. Wong has led the charge in retention of healthcare professionals, launching a $1 million stipend and retention program designed to help ensure the retention of our employees.
“Dr. Wong’s intrepid leadership has empowered Gateways to thrive – adjusting itself to meet emergent challenges while maintaining a standard of care that is beyond doubt,” said Barry Steinhardt, Chair, Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center Board of Directors. “Among numerous phenomenal accomplishments, he has transformed the staffing structure at Gateways and has built an infrastructure to support the hospital’s expansion and growth as a provider.”
Being a finalist for the “Hospital CEO of the Year” award from the Los Angeles Business Journal is a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Phil Wong’s outstanding contributions to healthcare leadership. His visionary leadership style and tireless dedication to enhancing patient well-being have left an indelible mark on the institution and the community it serves.
The Los Angeles Business Journal hosts the annual Health Care Leadership Awards to recognize the accomplishments of individuals and organizations that have made great strides in providing better quality of health care in Los Angeles.
Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center is a non-profit organization located in Echo Park that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles area since 1953. Gateways offers an array of comprehensive mental and behavioral health services for adolescents, transitional-aged youth, and adults. For more information, visit gatewayshospital.org or call (323) 644-2000.
