Capella Health

Franklin, TN.  February 25, 2014 – Erik Swensson, MD, FACS, who has served as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Capella Healthcare since January of 2011, is retiring, effective February 28, according to Michael Wiechart, President and Chief Executive Officer.  The retirement was announced this weekend at the company’s annual National Physician Leadership Group conference.

Dr. Swensson was appointed Capella’s first CMO in January 2011. He served part-time in the CMO role while continuing to practice medicine in McMinnville, Oregon, at Capella’s Willamette Valley Medical Center.

“Dr. Swensson has done an outstanding job facilitating the work of Capella’s National Physician Leadership Group, ensuring that physicians from across the company are continuously involved in shaping the company’s vision and future strategies,” Wiechart said. “He has also played a vital role in guiding our quality and service excellence initiatives.  His service has helped to make a significant difference for the patients, communities, physicians and others served by hospitals in our Capella family.”

A national search is already underway for a new Chief Medical Officer.

Every Capella-affiliated hospital has a Physician Leadership Group (PLG) consisting of 6-10 members representing a cross-section of its medical staff, Wiechart said. The PLG provides input to hospital leadership on all aspects of operations, including strategic development, key initiatives, quality improvement, patient and employee satisfaction, and more.  One member from each hospital’s PLG is designated to serve on Capella’s National Physician Leadership Group (NPLG), bringing the physician perspective to all major decisions.

About Capella Healthcare

Capella Healthcare partners with communities to build strong local healthcare systems that are known for quality patient care. Based in Franklin, Tenn., Capella owns and/or operates 14 acute care and specialty hospital facilities in six states. With the philosophy that all healthcare is local, Capella collaborates with each hospital’s medical staff, board and community leadership to take care to the next level. The company has access to significant leadership and financial resources, investing in its family of hospitals to strengthen and expand services and facilities. The company was recognized both this year and last by Modern Healthcare as one of the nation’s fastest growing health care companies.  For more information, visit the website, www.CapellaHealthcare.com.

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For more information, contact: Beth B. Wright
VP-Corporate Communications & Strategic Marketing
[email protected] or 615-764-3010 or 615-260-5234