HMC has new chief operating officer

Hilo Medical Center has named Dan Brinkman as chief operating officer. Brinkman, who joined the hospital in 2007 as the chief nurse executive, will provide operational guidance as Hilo Medical Center pursues its mission of improving our community health through exceptional and compassionate care.

Brinkman most recently led Hilo Medical Center during the Joint Commission survey in late January. Under his leadership, the hospital received the Gold Seal for Approval and was recommended by the accrediting body for “Best Practices” for its Pharm2Pharm partnership with the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy and its Antibiotic Stewardship Project.

“In our healthcare environment there is a real need for progressive leadership and our organization must invest in its team in order to move from good to great,” said Howard Ainsley, East Hawaii Regional CEO of HHSC. “Dan has served us well as Chief Nurse Executive. I am pleased that he has accepted the Chief Operating Officer position where, I believe, he will make a major impact on furthering our organization.”

“After seven years as Chief Nurse Executive, I have come to love the hospital and the community,” said Brinkman. “I am looking forward to working with the excellent leaders and staff to improve the care we provide our patients.”

Prior to joining Hilo Medical Center, Brinkman was the assistant administrator of interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery at Vanderbilt University’s Medical Center. Brinkman earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado, an associates degree in nursing from Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado and a bachelor of arts in political science from Augusta State College in Georgia. He resides on the Hamakua Coast with his wife, six daughters and extended family.