Raised on an Oregon farm, Mike Purvis was 18 years old and recovering from knee reconstruction surgery when he was introduced to the field of physical therapy. “Once I grew up enough to realize farming wasn’t a viable career choice, the attraction of health care became a strong interest,” he remembers.
“Early in my career, I practiced physical therapy in a hospital setting, which soon led to leadership responsibilities and an interest in graduate school,” he continues. “From graduate school, my service in community hospitals and health system leadership evolved and, over the past 20 years, I’ve held hospital CEO positions in Arizona and Northern California. Additionally, for three years, I worked as a hospital consultant with a focus on strategic positioning, business process improvement and patient safety enhancement.”
Today, Purvis is chief administrative officer at Sutter Medical Center in Santa Rosa and the empty-nester is relocating with wife Carol and Luke the golden retriever from Granite Bay in Placer County to Wine Country central. “Sonoma County is awesome,” he enthuses. “It’s a beautiful place to live and work.”
Like we didn’t know.
What’s your favorite wine?
Are you a good patient?
It depends. I’m motivated to do what’s necessary for recovery, but my compliance with standardized rules depends on the circumstances.
Ever broken a bad habit?
Addiction to coffee. I gradually migrated to decaf by incrementally mixing regular and decaf over time. It took about two months to make it to full decaf. The headaches were intense!
What do you love to do outside of work?
I love to be active. My recreational interests include high-performance driving at Infineon and other race tracks, biking and exploring Wine Country.
How have you significantly honored another person?
I have my father’s last business card prominently positioned on my desk. He was a special person.
If you could have a conversation with anyone from history, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?
I’d want to talk with Jesus Christ about the essence of life and love—and hopefully gain some perspective on an individual who impacted the world in such a profound way.
If you could spend one hour doing absolutely anything, what would it be?
Driving a race prepared Porsche on the Nürburgring.
What do you like most and least about your industry?
The people in health care are special, and making a tangible difference in the community as part of a team of caregivers is the best. My least favorite part is the overwhelming (and often conflicting) regulatory demands.
What kind of movies do you most enjoy and why?
Anything that doesn’t espouse violence and has some human relations focus. “Le Mans” with Steve McQueen is a great racing movie.
What was your last argument about?
I don’t remember, but probably about control, money or hurt feelings—the sources of most conflicts.
Describe an embarrassing life moment.
I once wore a mismatched suit to a job interview, and I didn’t realize it until I was walking into the building where the interview was being held. The dry cleaners had paired slacks and a jacket that were close, but not an actual match. When I returned home, my family met me at the airport with each person wearing mismatched clothes. It’s quite funny now, but was totally horrifying in the moment. (Needless to say, I didn’t get the job.)
What’s one of your favorite spots in the North Bay to relax?
The scenic coastline with a beautiful sunset.
What’s something you consider too daring to try?
Flying an airplane.
What’s your secret vice food?
No secret: It’s chocolate.
If you had to predict the most important development of the 21st century, what do you think it will be?
Experiencing the reality that resources are finite and human beings need to work together to survive and prosper.
