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Sound Anesthesia Strengthens Clinical Leadership

In a significant move to enhance its leadership, Sound Anesthesia has appointed Dr. Emil Engels, MD, MBA, as the Chief Physician Officer. Dr. Engels, a seasoned cardiac anesthesiologist, brings over 25 years of extensive experience in directing anesthesia practices and healthcare organizations. His appointment marks the emergence of a progressive approach, placing physician and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) executives in pivotal roles. This dual leadership aims to improve operational excellence and clinical quality within the organization.

Dr. Engels joins the executive team alongside Noele Morse, DNP, CRNA, who serves as the Chief Anesthetist Officer. This partnership is designed to represent the diverse perspectives of physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs at the highest levels of Sound Anesthesia. David Leachman, MD, the Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of this collaborative leadership approach: “Our physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs care for patients together every day, and our leadership should reflect that.”

Prior to his current role, Dr. Engels was the CEO of Aligned Orthopedic Partners, where he successfully expanded the organization through strategic acquisitions and new ancillary services. His leadership extended to overseeing ambulatory surgery centers and advocating for value-based care initiatives alongside surgeons. Earlier in his career, as Market President for Mednax, he managed 12 anesthesia practices across multiple states. His extensive experience also includes nearly 20 years as a cardiac anesthesiologist at Inova Health System, as well as teaching positions at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Dr. Engels has held significant positions within professional associations, serving on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and as president of the Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, followed by his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. Furthermore, Dr. Engels completed his anesthesiology residency and cardiac anesthesia fellowship at Harvard University, complemented by an MBA from the University of Tennessee.

“A surgical day runs well when physicians, CRNAs, surgeons, and OR staff work from the same plan,” Dr. Engels stated, highlighting the synergy desired between team members. The structural partnership within Sound Anesthesia aims to enhance surgical operations by ensuring every team member has the necessary support to excel in their roles.

The appointment of Dr. Engels signifies Sound Anesthesia’s commitment to innovation and collaboration within the healthcare landscape. The organization, rooted in providing quality care, will benefit from the leadership dynamics between Dr. Engels and DNP Morse as they strive to improve the anesthesia practice experience for both clinicians and their patients.

Sound Physicians, the parent organization of Sound Anesthesia, is dedicated to fostering partnerships with hospitals and health systems to deliver exceptional patient care. With over 4,000 clinicians distributed across various specialties including emergency and hospital medicine, critical care, and anesthesia, Sound Physicians makes a profound impact on healthcare at the community level. Their commitment extends even further as they attend to the health and wellbeing of long-term care residents through their accountable care organization.

For more insights into Sound Physicians and their initiatives in anesthesia leadership, visit Sound Physicians.