Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1544291
16 COO COOs' role gains complexity amid outpatient care shift By Kelly Gooch A s technology advances and care shis toward outpatient, virtual and community-based settings, the role of the COO is also evolving. For leaders in this position, that means new skill sets and a broader range of focuses, from managing hospital operations to coordinating complex, widely distributed networks of care. In its 2025 report "Decoding the Healthcare COO Role," executive search firm WittKieffer found that 80% of healthcare COOs said their responsibilities have increased significantly in the past three years, while 63% reported an increase in the number of direct reports. e report also found the role expanding across areas such as growth strategy, talent oversight and community engagement. Many COOs now oversee a wide range of operational functions, with ambulatory services and nursing among the most common. "One of the challenges with the COO role is how big the scope is," said Timothy Riddell, MD, executive vice president and COO of New Orleans-based Ochsner Health. "Simplifying the strategy so that it can be digestible and actionable, while not losing the complexity or the impact, is critical. e question is how you do both of those things at the same time." Becker's spoke with Dr. Riddell and Steve Burriss, COO of Orlando (Fla.) Health, about how the role is evolving — and what operational leadership looks like as care continues shiing beyond hospital walls. Access as the central operational challenge Mr. Burriss and Dr. Riddell both serve in their roles as their respective systems expand access through outpatient care. Orlando Health added Support Team for Aercare and Resources outpatient centers and is working to bring more complex specialty care closer to communities, including oncology services that allow patients to receive treatment nearer to home. e health system and Southlake, Texas-based Solara Surgical Partners also launched a national joint venture in 2025 to expand ASC development and operations. e venture aims to improve existing ASC operations and accelerate the launch of new centers, while also meeting growing demand in the outpatient surgical space. "We also constantly keep our finger on the pulse of our communities, identifying when we are needed before they become healthcare deserts," Mr. Burriss said. "Because of this, we are at the ready to bring our trusted expertise, skilled physicians and high-quality systems rapidly and intentionally." Image Credit: Adobe Stock