By TR Robertson
On Friday, an optimistic President and CEO of Tri-City Medical Center, Dr. Gene Ma, presented a 2026 State of Tri-City report to an array of government representatives, public service members, and North County residents, outlining the future of Tri-City Medical Center and a planned partnership with Sharp HealthCare. As those attending walked in, many wandered over to see several robotic medical devices on display, such as the Da Vinci Multidisciplinary Operation devices that Tri-City Medical uses, and to visit several displays of medical devices used for heart and lung operations. The early morning began with breakfast, followed by a welcome from Jennifer Peroli, President of Tri-City Medical Center Hospital Foundation. Jennifer welcomed those in attendance and highlighted the importance of Tri-City Medical Center to this area and the significance of its relationship with Sharp HealthCare. She recognized the dignitaries in attendance and thanked everyone for taking the time to learn about the upcoming event. Jennifer was followed by Tracy Younger, CEO/Founder Alcheme Health. Tracy also said the upcoming partnership was a necessary goal for the hospital, and communication along the way has been important in establishing the partnership. She said both entities shared the goal of providing quality medical services to North County residents. Tracy then introduced Dr. Ma.
Dr. Gene Ma became President and CEO of Tri-City Medical Center in June of 2023. He began his State of Tri-City address by welcoming those in attendance and introducing a short video. Tri-City Hospital opened in July of 1961 with 87 beds and 42 physicians, today close to 400 beds and a medical staff of over 500. The video showed a number of patients who had been helped by Tri-City Medical Center and several employees who enjoy working at the facility. All had the common theme of “I Am Tri-City”. After the short video, Dr. Ma spoke about the Tri-City Foundation’s work in providing much of the necessary equipment and facilities at the hospital. He said that about 7 years ago, a community and medical group came together to assess what it would take for the continued growth of Tri-City Medical Center. He said the input of Sheriff’s Captain Malan and Fire Chief Washington has also been necessary along the way. Dr. Ma Tri-City has won three Gold Level Awards for Heart Attack Care from the American Heart Association. He also said there seems to be a feeling that Tri-City is not a good medical facility, but this just isn’t true. Communication is key to changing this attitude, and the positive partnership that is coming will go a long way toward making things better.
Decreasing reimbursements such as Medicare only providing 49% of the actual cost of medical services and the 14.1% inflation rate has been significant in hurting medical care for many hospitals around the country. Other factors are the increase in the cost of pharmaceuticals, staffing cost, and increase of tariffs as over 70% of all medical devices are outsourced overseas which has also played into what hospitals can provide. It was stated that a 2023 State of California mandate said all facilities must make necessary changes to bring facilities up to standards for earthquake preparedness. All of these issues lead to only 50% of all hospitals in California operating in the red. Dr. Ma said Tri-City has tried to maintain as well as they could, especially since the post financial distress prior to COVID. He said Tri-City was able to increase staff and salaries as well as provide the necessary services during the “COVID Crisis”.
Another short video was shown that followed two patients Tri-City had made a major impact on. Blake Baxter was a surfer who went through a cardiac crisis while surfing and Ken Moran who was playing tennis when he had a cardiac arrest. Both of these individuals were saved and treated by Tri-City Medical Center. CPR was a major factor in saving the individuals and now they support CPR education in the community, provided by Tri-City Medical Center. Following the video Dr. Ma said the Tri-City Emergency Department is going through major changes to provide better services and contact time when individuals arrive. He said the new Psychiatric Health Facility is the first in the county. The DISC Surgical Center is using robotics surgery to provide quality assistance with patient’s spinal injuries.
All of this led to the announcement that Tri-City Medical Center will be moving into a long-term partnership with Sharp HealthCare, joining 80% of all suburban hospitals that are system affiliated. The Tri-City Medical Center went through a rigorous process to select the best situation for the hospital and the staff. This led to the selection of Sharp HealthCare, the most trusted medical facility in San Diego County. Dr. Ma said their philosophical approach to community service aligned with what Tri-City has long followed. He said they offer the best-in-class patient support and have a proven ability to support the patient and family. The fact they are a non-profit agency and have an exceptional record of quality care also was important. Dr, Ma said this partnership will be mutually beneficial to both groups.
With all of this as an introduction, Dr. Ma introduced President and Chief CEO of Sharp HealthCare, Chris Howard. Chris began by thanking Dr. Ma and all of those who contributed to the selection of Sharp HealthCare as the medical agency Tri-City wants to partner with. He also said this partnership will be beneficial to both parties as it will give Sharp HealthCare a medical facility in North County. He next showed a short video that describe the “Sharp Experience” in providing clinical excellence and quality care. After the video on the screens, it was shown that Sharp HealthCare currently has 4 acute care hospitals, 5 specialty hospitals, 3 primary care medical groups, 2,000 employees, 1,600 volunteers, and 2.700 affiliated doctors. A history of Sharp Medical showed that in 1955 the Sharp Memorial Hospital opened followed in 1989 with Sharp Chula Vista, 1991 Sharp Grossmont, 1992 Sharp Mary Birch, 1998 Sharp Mesa Vista and in 2025 Sharp Grossmont Neuroscience. He said they specialize in an Integrated Health Care Delivery System. The “Sharp Experience” means is it provides the Best Place to Work, the Best Place to Practice Medicine and the Best Place to Receive Care. Chris said the Top 3 Priorities they would have are to increase the Oncology services, provide facility infrastructure enhancement and expand Women’s Services. A short video about a Sharp Mary Birch Tri-City implementation brought applause from those in attendance.
A short question and answer session followed with Dr. Ma and Chris Howard. Both pointed out that in June 2026 Measure H will be on the ballot seeking voter authorization to the establishment of a new Tri-City Medical Center & Sharp HealthCare Partnership. One question asked for the official name of the facility and Dr. Ma said it will be called the Sharp Tri-City Medical Center. The overall message is that with a positive vote for the partnership in June the future of medical services in the North County will be in solid hands with this partnership and will point to a secure future for Tri-City Medical Center.
