Before assuming the role of chief executive officer (CEO) of Aiken Regional Medical Centers (ARMC) in March 2009, Carlos Milanes served six years as the hospital's chief operating officer. "We have a lot to be proud of at Aiken Regional Medical Centers—the physicians, employees, volunteers, quality scores, technology and services," he said.
"My vision is to lead an already accomplished organization to a new level of excellence and through its next era of growth. All of us at Aiken Regional work hard to make sure the people in Aiken County can get the highest quality health care services close to home."
Building on Success
Milanes said that with financial support from its parent company, Universal Health Services, Inc., the hospital achieved many notable accomplishments over the past several years.
Some examples include renovating all patient floors and converting to all private rooms, opening a new Intensive Care Unit, expanding the Emergency Department, recruiting more than 50 physicians representing 15 different specialties, acquiring advanced technology and adding new inpatient and outpatient services. "Aiken Regional Medical Centers rivals hospital systems in larger cities," Milanes said. State and national organizations already consistently rank Aiken Regional among the top hospitals in the Central Savannah River Area for compliance with core quality measures-objective standards that apply to hospitals nationwide.
But quality, Milanes noted, isn't a static target. "The medical field changes constantly as researchers develop new medications, technologies and treatments. We have to keep pace with those changes," he said. "We'll do that by continuing to use evidence-based treatment protocols and working to achieve high quality scores on core measures. Our ultimate goal is to save more lives." Plans to improve access are already underway. "We've received approval from the state for a new outpatient imaging center," he said. "We have also recruited more primary care physicians into our community and are investing in the latest life-saving technology. We'll continue to expand our services and facilities in order to make sure local families don't have to leave the area to get the healthcare services they need when they need them."
A Little History
Milanes brings a wealth of experience managing acute care facilities to his new position. Before coming to Aiken Regional seven years ago, he served as the CEO of Palm Springs General Hospital in Miami for 12 years. There, he built a proven track record of accomplishments in quality improvement initiatives, business development, physician recruitment and hospital operations.
He holds a Master in Business Administration, a Master in Health Science and a Master in Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Milanes is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on several boards in the community including the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the USC Aiken Partnership Board, the Child Advocacy Center, Aiken Technical College Foundation and the Public Education Partners Board.
Life Outside Aiken Regional
A familiar face in the Aiken community, Carlos Milanes has three children; Matthew 21, Greg 19 and Jilli 16. In his spare time, Milanes enjoys watching his children compete in sports. He is also an avid runner and plays guitar.
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