In a move that underscores its commitment to both operational excellence and clinical leadership, Holy Cross Health has appointed Dr. José J. López as its new Chief Operating Officer. Dr. López will continue in his role as Chief Medical Officer, making him one of the few healthcare leaders in the region to hold both titles simultaneously.
The appointment marks a strategic shift toward deeper integration between clinical quality and operational performance at the nationally recognized, not-for-profit Catholic health system. Dr. López brings with him a remarkable blend of medical expertise, executive insight, and global leadership experience.
“Dr. López has already proven himself to be a transformative leader as Chief Medical Officer,” said Holy Cross Health President and CEO Pierre Monice. “His expanded role as COO will ensure that our operational strategies are grounded in compassionate, people-centered care.”
Since joining Holy Cross Health in 2021, Dr. López has been instrumental in enhancing care delivery across the organization. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Healthpoint Hospital in Abu Dhabi and led emergency medicine programs at both Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and MedStar Health in Washington, D.C.—experience that has honed his ability to oversee large, complex health systems.
“This is more than a professional honor—it’s a mission I deeply believe in,” said Dr. López. “I’m excited to expand my role and continue collaborating with our exceptional teams to deliver the best outcomes for our patients and community.”
Board-certified in emergency medicine and fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. López holds an M.D. from the University of Massachusetts, an MBA in Medical Services Management from Johns Hopkins University, and executive training from Harvard Business School.

Photo Credit: Robert Mayer, Holy Cross Health
As Holy Cross Health continues to earn national accolades—including recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024–25 Best Hospitals and Newsweek’s 2024 America’s Best-In-State Hospitals—Dr. López’s appointment positions the organization to further its mission with clarity, compassion, and world-class execution.
To learn more, visit holy-cross.com.













