ApolloMD Elevates Emergency Care with New Chief Medical Officer Position
ApolloMD is taking significant steps to revolutionize emergency medicine through a strategic collaboration with MercyOne. This partnership has led to the establishment of a valuable new role within the organization: the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) position.
Leadership Focus
The primary aim of creating the CMO role is to unify emergency department leadership, ensuring that consistent best practices are followed across all facilities. In doing so, ApolloMD aims to enhance the caliber of emergency care that patients receive regardless of which MercyOne hospital they visit. The new CMO position will oversee various emergency departments under the MercyOne brand in Iowa, optimizing operational efficiency and improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Sydney Leach has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Medical Officer for MercyOne Emergency Medicine. An accomplished physician, Dr. Leach brings over 15 years of experience within the MercyOne system, having served in roles escalating from Assistant Medical Director to Medical Director for the Emergency Department at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. Her extensive background in emergency care and her proven leadership capabilities make her an ideal choice for driving the strategic vision behind this new role.
Innovation and Quality Care
Dr. Ted Patras, the Regional Vice President at ApolloMD, highlighted the urgency of adapting to the rapid evolution of healthcare, emphasizing that patients deserve optimal care at every location. “With this unified leadership approach, we are better positioned to meet future challenges through innovative solutions and collaborative strategies. Dr. Leach embodies the focus and commitment we need to spearhead this initiative.”
In her new position, Dr. Leach will maintain her current responsibilities at MercyOne Des Moines, whilst also ensuring that best practices and streamlined care protocols are shared across the network. This dual role allows her to foster connections and implement consistent practices throughout the state's Emergency Departments, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to communities.
Commitment to Patients
Dr. Leach expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "It has been my privilege to serve the patients and clinicians in Des Moines, and I look forward to strengthening care across our entire system. This role provides a wonderful opportunity to build stronger connections among our emergency departments, share knowledge, and maintain the highest standards of care our communities expect and deserve."
MercyOne leaders like Dr. Hijinio Carreon, the Chief Medical Executive, reiterated the importance of Dr. Leach’s appointment in advancing their mission. They welcomed the collaborative spirit that this partnership embraces. "Dr. Leach’s leadership reflects our united commitment to innovate for the future while placing our patients at the heart of every decision we make," Dr. Carreon remarked.
A Unified Vision for the Future
The establishment of the Chief Medical Officer role represents a pivotal advancement for MercyOne’s emergency services. According to MercyOne, their healthcare providers and staff are dedicated to helping individuals and communities live their best lives. With a system that prioritizes quality healthcare delivery, their collaborations aim to support an interconnected approach to health services across Iowa and beyond.
As part of a broader commitment to healthcare excellence, ApolloMD functions as a private, physician-led practice management organization that partners with healthcare facilities nationwide. Their decades-long focus on clinical excellence and operational innovation positions them uniquely within the healthcare landscape.
In conclusion, the appointment of Dr. Leach as CMO signifies a progressive step for ApolloMD and MercyOne in refining emergency care. With a goal of delivering seamless, high-quality services, this new leadership role is expected to create a robust network of emergency medical services that prioritizes patient wellbeing all the way to implementation.