A conversation with MUSC Health CHS Division CEO Saj Joy

by Sarah Allen

Saj Joy, M.D., MBA, M.S., FAAPL, first considered engineering as a career path before medicine. He majored in computer engineering at NC State and even completed his Master of Science in electrical engineering shortly after before deciding his passions lie in the medical field. He went to medical school at UNC Chapel Hill and then completed a fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Ohio State University. He comes to MUSC from the Baptist Memorial Healthcare system where he was the chief physician executive and the system chief medical officer.

Now, Joy joins MUSC as the Chief Executive Officer of MUSC Health Charleston Division and holds the academic role of clinical professor. Progressnotes sat down with him to talk about his recent appointment as CEO.

How are you enjoying life in Charleston so far?

We visited here when we lived in Charlotte, NC. Charleston was one of our go-to cities, and we always enjoyed visiting. Now that we are living here, we get to explore, and see more than just the tourist areas. There is a lot to offer in the Lowcountry. It is very exciting and feels like home. I spend a lot of time with my wife and kids where we can go out and enjoy the beaches, golf, or just exploring.

What brought you to MUSC?

It really is the institution, and the delivery of care that we offer here throughout this region. MUSC has always been a top ranked academic institution, and the academic prowess that MUSC holds throughout the nation is definitely an attractive attribute. I’ve been in administration over the last decade and knowing we can offer better health care by being patient-centric and community-focused really fortified my decision to want to be here.

Over the past five to seven years, MUSC has really expanded to deliver care throughout the state, and we are still continuing to grow. Having our own hospitals and the regional hospital network with affiliations and partnerships that already exist is a wonderful way to serve our state.

I saw that you started your education in engineering, what prompted your pivot into medicine and then to health care administration?

Honestly, it was the fact that I could directly care for patients and families as a physician than indirectly helping them by developing a new technology. I really appreciate the fact that MUSC emphasizes innovation and technology in the delivery of health care, another draw for my decision to join MUSC.

Transitioning from clinical to administration was a very difficult decision, because I truly enjoyed the direct patient care, teaching our learners (students, residents, fellows) and conducting research. But I also felt that I could contribute even more to healthcare as a clinician administrator who has experienced the operational inefficiencies and other opportunities that frustrate our care teams.

What drives your passion to work in health care and administration?

The wonderful people I get to work with – talented team members at every level. There are opportunities for collaboration and to provide support so that team members can continue to strive towards their goals. Together we can accomplish a lot of things, like focusing on patient care and education. In my role as an administrator, it is important to find partners focused on the same mission so I can remove roadblocks for them.