Name: Robert J. Walker
Age: 54
Position: President, Castle Medical Center
First job: Hospital orderly, Boise, Idaho
Favorite pastimes: Walking, reading, family time

Taking stock at Castle Medical

For Robert J. Walker, who took over as president of Castle Medical Center this month, any changes will be coming slowly.

"Castle Medical Center has a very rich heritage on the windward side," Walker said. "It's going to take a little time to get the feel for what the challenges are and then we can talk about a plan to move forward."

He replaces Ken Finch who became president of Metroplex Hospital System in Killeen, Texas.

Walker has worked in the health care field since 1961, and last served as president of Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits, Calif.

He got a bachelor's degree in business administration at Walla Walla College and a master's in public health administration at Loma Linda University in California. Walker is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

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By Jerry Tune, Star-Bulletin