Abhi Rastogi appointed as CEO of Temple Health, succeeding Mike Young.
Temple University has announced a significant leadership transition as Abhi Rastogi, previously the chief operating officer of Temple Health, is set to assume the role of CEO on January 2, succeeding Michael Young, who is set to retire after a transformative tenure at the organization. This change comes after Young led notable advancements in the health system that increased annual revenue from .9 billion to .3 billion over a span of several years.
Rastogi, who has dedicated 23 years to Temple, will step into the role after Young’s seven-year ascent, which began with his appointment as chief operating officer of Temple University Hospital in 2018. Young later transitioned to become the CEO of Temple Health in early 2020. Under Young’s leadership, Temple Health expanded its operations to include two additional hospitals while effectively managing overall long-term debt, positioning the system for financial stability and growth.
Young has expressed confidence in Rastogi’s ability to lead, citing his comprehensive involvement in the system’s growth strategies. Observers note Rastogi’s career progression, which began with an unpaid internship at Temple University Hospital during his graduate studies. Originally migrating from India in 2000 to study at Temple’s Fox School of Business, Rastogi quickly integrated himself into the fabric of Temple’s healthcare system.
As he steps into this new role, Rastogi faces the considerable challenge of navigating anticipated Medicaid cuts that could significantly impact the healthcare landscape. Approximately 40% of the patient admissions at Temple University Hospital rely on government insurance for low-income individuals. Rastogi has identified key priorities for his administration, including stabilizing the physician workforce, enhancing accessibility for patients, and leveraging technology to improve care delivery.
In recent years, Rastogi has played a vital role in numerous construction and service improvement projects, including transforming a former cancer treatment center into Temple Women & Families and expanding emergency services at Temple Episcopal Hospital. His vision for the organization includes a continued focus on its strengths, such as the largest lung transplant center in the nation and advanced cancer care.
This leadership transition occurs against a backdrop of significant developments within Temple Health. Young’s strategic decisions and initiatives have laid the foundation for Rastogi, who plans to build on this momentum and ensure that Temple remains a vital healthcare provider in the community. Rastogi aims to sustain the trajectory of growth and stability facilitated during Young’s tenure as the organization enters its next chapter.
As Young prepares to retire, he has agreed to serve as a consultant for two additional years, further ensuring a seamless transition. His relationship with John Fry, the president of Temple University, has also influenced his decision to extend his leadership, giving Rastogi a solid support network as he assumes the helm of Temple Health.
