Loma Linda University Health

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital was named a Top Children’s Hospital nationally for the third consecutive year by The Leapfrog Group—an independent hospital watchdog organization—on December 17, highlighting the hospital’s achievements in patient safety and quality. The Leapfrog Top Hospital awards are widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive honors American hospitals can receive.

Approximately 2,100 hospitals across the nation were considered

By Sheann Brandon

for the awards, and LLU Children’s Hospital was one of only 10 children’s hospitals to be recognized by The Leapfrog Group.

Scott Perryman, senior vice president and administrator for LLU Children’s Hospital, said receiving this award was only made possible through the efforts and commitment from the hospital’s staff.

“We are very honored to be again acknowledged as among the best children’s hospitals in the nation,” Perryman said. “We participate in numerous national quality and patient safety reporting efforts because we want to do better and be better for our babies, children, teens, and their families. Recognition for a third time in a row demonstrates that our collective work to establish a culture of safety and quality is taking hold in a transformative way.”

Moreover, three consecutive years is the longest streak for receiving the award—an honor held only by two hospitals, including LLU Children’s Hospital.

By Larry Becker

Loma Linda University Health’s Board of Trustees has named Leo Ranzolin Jr., ThD, to serve as dean of the School of Religion, effective January 1, 2020. Ranzolin previously was the School of Religion’s associate dean since 2015, and he has held the post of interim dean of the school since July 1, 2019.

He succeeds Jan Paulien, PhD, who served as the school’s dean since its founding in 2007. Paulien relinquished the dean post in June of 2019 to return to teaching and continue directing the school’s William Johnsson Center for Understanding World Religions.

The School of Religion serves students in all eight of Loma Linda University’s health professional schools, focusing on the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ, says Ranzolin.

“Our role is to train these future healthcare practitioners how to integrate Seventh-day Adventist faith, health, and science as they address the challenges awaiting them in today’s complex world,” Ranzolin said. “We have been entrusted with the mission of articulating the story of God’s gracious plan to redeem a lost and broken world in a Seventh-day Adventist health science university setting.”

Ranzolin holds a Doctor of Theology degree from Boston University, earned in 2001, where he specialized in biblical studies. He also holds a Master of Theology degree from Duke University, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University,

PHOTO: SCHOOL OF RELIGION

and a Bachelor of Science degree in management from what is now Washington Adventist University. Prior to joining the Loma Linda University School of Religion faculty, Ranzolin was a professor of biblical studies at Pacific Union College from 1998 to 2014.

Ron Carter, PhD, university provost, says that along with Ranzolin’s strong commitment to Loma Linda University Health’s mission and values, Ranzolin assumes the dean’s post with an understanding of the complex nature of the university and of the school. “The School of Religion dean must lead the spiritual growth of our campus. The position requires leadership, patience, and vision,” Carter said. “The school’s faculty and the courses they provide are core to the identity of our institution. Dean Ranzolin’s integrity, love for Jesus and the gospel, and his desire to find solutions to difficult situations will bless him as a leader, as well as this university.”