Healthcare is going through a massive shift, and one of the leaders accelerating this transformation is James Feen, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer at Southcoast Health. His blend of technical expertise, compassion for clinicians, and forward-thinking strategy has helped Southcoast Health modernize patient care, improve outcomes, and prove that technology and healthcare can work together seamlessly.
Some healthcare executives focus on technical systems alone. Others concentrate primarily on patient care. James Feen bridges both worlds. His approach puts people before technology and innovation before convenience—two qualities that have shaped his impressive leadership journey.
This guide breaks down his work, accomplishments, vision, and how he’s reshaping healthcare from the inside out. Whether you’re in healthcare or simply curious about digital transformation, there’s a lot to learn from his story.
Who Is James Feen? A Leader Redefining Healthcare Technology
James Feen has spent decades working at the intersection of healthcare and digital systems. His mission is refreshingly straightforward:
technology should enhance care—not complicate it.
His work at Southcoast Health has shown that digital solutions don’t have to be overwhelming or disruptive. When used strategically, they make patient care faster, safer, more organized, and more efficient for clinicians and staff.
Some of his most impactful initiatives include:
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Modernizing infrastructure across the health system
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Integrating electronic health records
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Improving workflows and data accessibility
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Creating custom applications for clinicians
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Enhancing the patient experience across facilities
The result? Patients get better care, and clinicians get the support they need instead of another system slowing them down.
A Look Back: How His Career Started
Before stepping into major leadership roles, James Feen worked closely with the operational side of healthcare. Those early experiences helped him understand the daily challenges in hospitals:
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complex workflows
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time-consuming documentation
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disconnected systems
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communication barriers among departments
Instead of accepting these issues as “just the way things are,” he committed to finding solutions. His background in healthcare IT and electronic health records (EHR) set up the foundation for his future work. Over the years, he grew into a leader known for listening first and innovating second—a skill that has been key to his success.
His Role at Southcoast Health: Where Innovation Meets Strategy
As Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer at Southcoast Health, James Feen oversees the entire digital ecosystem across the organization. His responsibilities include:
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planning and executing digital transformation
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managing electronic health record platforms
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overseeing analytics and interoperability
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improving operational performance
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ensuring technology aligns with patient care goals
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leading IT teams and cross-functional groups
His leadership ensures every technology decision supports long-term growth, stronger clinical performance, and better patient outcomes.
Major Innovations Led by James Feen
One of the reasons Feen stands out is because his initiatives are both practical and transformative. Here are a few key examples.
Epic Electronic Health Record Implementation
The rollout of Epic has been one of the most impactful transformations at Southcoast Health. This system brings together patient information across the health network, so clinicians get:
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easier access to medical histories
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up-to-date test results
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coordinated care across departments
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reduced duplication and delays
A single EHR system can save hours per day—time that goes back into patient care.
Custom Applications Built for Real Needs
Feen didn’t rely solely on large platforms. He recognized gaps in off-the-shelf solutions and led the development of more than 40 custom workflow tools, such as:
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alert management
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documentation shortcuts
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patient transition support
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scheduling applications
These applications streamline tasks and reduce errors, creating smoother processes across the hospital system.
Interoperability and Data Integration
Connecting systems has always been a major pain point for healthcare. Feen tackled that head-on by ensuring seamless communication between:
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EHR systems
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lab software
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analytics engines
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telehealth tools
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scheduling and administrative platforms
This integration makes care faster and more precise.
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How His Work Improved Patient Outcomes
James Feen’s digital strategy isn’t just about installing new tools. It’s about improving care at every step. Some of the positive impacts include:
Clinician-Centered Technology
Systems are built around clinical workflows rather than forcing teams to adapt to new tools. The result:
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fewer clicks
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faster documentation
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less frustration
Better Decision Making With Analytics
Advanced data gives clinicians real-time insights into patient care and outcomes. It supports better decision-making and more personalized care.
Operational Efficiency
Whether it’s scheduling, communication, or patient transitions, Feen’s initiatives eliminate delays and make processes more reliable.
Leadership Philosophy: Technology Meets Empathy
Feen is known for mixing innovation with empathy. His leadership style is shaped by several core beliefs:
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listen to clinicians and staff
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encourage collaboration
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focus on continuous improvement
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keep systems simple and useful
His leadership is not top-down. Instead, it’s based on partnership, feedback, and shared goals.
Awards and Recognition
Southcoast Health has been recognized for digital excellence, thanks in part to Feen’s leadership. Notable achievements include:
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technology integration across departments
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operational performance improvements
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innovations in mobile applications and telehealth
These are more than industry badges—they reflect real change happening in real facilities.
Challenges in Digital Healthcare (and How He Solved Them)
Digital transformation is not easy. Feen faced challenges that any large health system encounters:
Resistance to Change
Training, communication, and user-friendly systems helped drive smoother adoption.
Data Security
Strong security and compliance helped protect patient information while keeping systems accessible.
Integration With Legacy Systems
Through careful planning, governance, and structured implementation, Feen overcame this hurdle and ensured seamless workflows.
Future Vision and What’s Coming Next
James Feen continues pushing Southcoast Health into the next era of healthcare. Some upcoming strategies include:
Artificial Intelligence
Predictive analytics, early diagnosis assistance, and personalized care recommendations.
Telehealth Growth
Virtual visits and remote patient monitoring expanding care access.
Wearable Technology Integration
Real-time physiological data improves early intervention and preventive care.
More Advanced Analytics
Transforming raw data into powerful clinical insights.
The goal is simple: create a healthcare system that’s smarter, easier to access, and more efficient.
Why His Impact Matters Beyond Southcoast Health
Feen’s work sets a standard for healthcare innovation everywhere. His approach serves as a blueprint for:
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combining technology with human-centered care
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building systems clinicians actually want to use
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improving patient outcomes through digital strategy
He has shown that digital transformation isn’t just possible—it can be meaningful and practical.
Final Takeaway: A Leader With a Lasting Impact
James Feen has helped Southcoast Health evolve into a highly efficient, technology-driven healthcare organization without sacrificing the human side of medicine. His leadership, vision, and commitment to patient-centered innovation continue shaping the future of care delivery.
His journey proves something important:
technology doesn’t replace people—it supports them.
Feen’s work is a powerful reminder that healthcare innovation starts with understanding, listening, and leading with purpose. And as the industry continues to change, his approach offers a model that others can follow—one where digital transformation leads not just to new tools, but to better healthcare for everyone.