10 Questions For El Camino Hospital Los Gatos VP Pat Wolfram

Pat Wolfram, RN, is vice president of El Camino Hospital Los Gatos. She has 30 years of health care experience in executive and consulting roles at for-profit and nonprofit hospitals ranging in size from 100 beds to 459 beds. She's worked chief executive officer, hospital administrator, chief operating officer, chief nursing officer as well as consultant for operational improvements.

Wolfram earned a master’s degree in business administration and adult health and a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She graduated from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, and Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She was selected for and completed a Health Care Leader Fellowship Program through University of Houston in conjunction with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and was also given an award by HCA for administrative performance.

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Pat Wolfram: When I was 13 I worked at a law office and dreamed of becoming an attorney. But, a few years later, my plans changed and I decided to go into nursing. And I have now worked in health care for more than three decades, and love it.

Patch: How does your personality play into your work?

Wolfram: I love to engage with people – and, as a hospital administrator, I do that quite a bit.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to take this position at El Camino Hospital Los Gatos?

Wolfram: I joined El Camino Hospital Los Gatos about three years ago. When I visited it for the first time, I loved the community and I loved the hospital. And the reopening of the hospital [to become the second El Camino Hospital campus] was incredibly exciting – I wanted to be a part of that.

Patch: What inspired you?

Wolfram: Being part of the wonderful community of Los Gatos definitely influenced my decision to take this position.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of running a business in the Town
of Los Gatos?

Wolfram: The biggest challenge is finding the best way to let people know who we are, what we can do and that we’re good at it.

Patch: Describe the best thing about running a business in the town of Los Gatos?

Wolfram: I love to be involved in the community; I am also on the board of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, and I enjoy it very much.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your hospital?

Wolfram: The people who work here. They make the hospital what it is. They truly care for each and every patient. I believe you can teach a lot of things, but you can’t “teach” caring – it has to be a part of you.

Patch: What is your hospital’s greatest asset?

Wolfram: Our team. We have many longtime employees here who work incredibly well together. Our ER department manager, for example, has been here for more than 43 years is very well known in the community.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Wolfram: I’d pick two places – Old Town and the Creek. I hike the creek every Sunday!

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Wolfram: I truly love this town. It’s a wonderful place to live and work. I only need to drive just a few short miles to be on a hiking trail. I love the bike trails, too, and ride them whenever I get the chance. Los Gatos is simply amazing.