#USA #Clearwater #BayCare Health #Morton Plant Hospital #Robert Kopec

Dr. Robert Kopec Takes Leadership Role at Morton Plant Hospital

As of March 30, 2025, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida, has appointed Dr. Robert Kopec as its new Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Kopec is stepping into this significant role following the retirement of Dr. Jeffery Jensen, who has served at BayCare Health System for many years. With a wealth of experience, Dr. Kopec is expected to uphold and enhance the hospital's commitment to providing exceptional medical care.

Having assumed the role of CMO at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in April 2022, Dr. Kopec takes on his new responsibilities equipped with substantial experience from his tenure within the BayCare Health System since 2012. "I am honored to continue serving our communities and leading our dedicated medical staff to deliver the highest quality of patient care," he stated.

In his role as CMO at Morton Plant Hospital, Dr. Kopec will work closely with the medical staff and Matt Novak, the hospital's president, to ensure that the institution continues to provide safe and effective healthcare services. His duties span from training new physicians and ensuring compliance with health regulations, to providing clinical oversight and representing the hospital in broader community discussions.

Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, BayCare's Chief Physician Executive, emphasized the significance of Dr. Kopec's promotion, citing his crucial contributions during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic era. "His leadership has brought immense value and innovation to our health system," she remarked, urging staff and community stakeholders to anticipate exciting developments in clinical excellence under his guidance.

Morton Plant Hospital, which holds a prestigious place in Pinellas County medical history, was established in 1916 and has continually adapted to modern healthcare needs. As of 2024, the hospital has demonstrated impressive metrics: 27,454 discharges, 2,050 births, 93,251 visits to its emergency department, and 14,036 outpatient surgeries contributed to the delivery of comprehensive medical services to the community.

Dr. Kopec's career in medicine is noteworthy; prior to his appointment at Morton Plant Hospital, he had held a variety of impactful roles, including hospitalist and director for infection prevention and control. His dedication to improving patient outcomes was evident during the pandemic when he collaborated extensively to ensure effective patient management.

Moreover, Dr. Kopec is not just a physician but also brings academic qualifications that enhance his capabilities in health administration, with a master’s degree in healthcare administration obtained from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2023.

The BayCare Health System, where Morton Plant operates, is renowned for its robust patient care network across 16 hospitals and a spectrum of services designed to meet diverse health needs. As the largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services in West Central Florida, the organization remains focused on community-driven healthcare.

As Dr. Kopec embarks on this new chapter, both the staff and the wider community are assured of his unwavering commitment to the mission of improving health through high-quality, compassionate care. With his extensive background and a new vision to lead, Morton Plant Hospital is poised for a bright future under his leadership.