Dr. John Mohart: First Physician COO Leading Mercy into New Era of Care
In a landmark decision, Mercy has appointed Dr. John Mohart as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), making history as the first physician to hold this position across the health system. This significant move signifies a shift in how healthcare organizations are beginning to prioritize clinical expertise in leadership roles.
Dr. Mohart's appointment reflects the organization's commitment to integrating the insights of healthcare providers in key decision-making processes. Steve Mackin, Mercy’s President and CEO, emphasized the importance of having health care providers in leadership positions, illustrating a growing trend in which clinical knowledge informs strategic operations. He noted, “Dr. Mohart has shown that he has the expertise to unify care for our patients whether it's in the hospital, clinic, virtually, or anywhere they receive care at Mercy.”
Joining Mercy in 2012 as a cardiologist, Dr. Mohart has been instrumental in transforming patient care and operational standards. Prior to his elevation to COO, he served as President of Community Operations, where his leadership led to the successful implementation of innovative care models. Notably, his initiatives helped in the proactive management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart failure, contributing to a more effective healthcare delivery system.
One of Dr. Mohart’s notable achievements includes the reduction of over 100,000 unnecessary hospital stay days over the last two years, a feat that not only enhanced the quality of care but also improved patient access to Mercy's extensive range of services. His dual background, encompassing a medical career and his earlier experience as a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers, uniquely positions him to navigate the complexities of healthcare management.
Dr. Mohart completed his medical education at the University of Missouri-Columbia and further honed his skills during his residency and fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. His diverse experiences have shaped his philosophy towards healthcare, which emphasizes accessibility, excellence, and patient-centered care.
Expressing his vision for Mercy, Dr. Mohart stated, “I am devoted to health care and to Mercy's mission of pioneering new models of care so that health care is accessible, affordable and sustainable.” His commitment is particularly timely as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve with ongoing challenges and changing patient expectations.
Mercy itself stands as one of America’s largest health systems, recognized nationally for its exceptional patient experience. It operates an integrated network comprising 50 hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities across several states including Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In the fiscal year 2023, Mercy provided substantial community benefit, contributing over half a billion dollars in free care and programs intended to serve vulnerable populations.
With Dr. Mohart's leadership, Mercy appears poised to embark on an innovative journey that not only prioritizes the needs of its patients but also places a strong emphasis on the collaborative role of healthcare providers in shaping the future of patient care. As the organization celebrates its ongoing legacy in healthcare, it indeed hopes to create a future where healthcare is not just a service, but a sustainable and transformative experience for all individuals it serves.