Mission Health Names William Hathaway, MD, Chief Medical Officer

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Health is pleased to announce the appointment of William R. Hathaway, MD, to the position of Chief Medical Officer of Mission Hospital. Dr. Hathaway, a long standing member of the Mission Health family, will focus on quality improvements to enhance patient safety while also developing strategies to integrate care processes and ultimately improve clinical outcomes.

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Most recently serving as Chief of Staff, Dr. Hathaway has served in numerous leadership roles at Asheville Cardiology Associates and within Mission Health, including Service Line Leader of Heart Services from 2005 to 2011 and Vice Chief of Staff from 2009 to 2011.

"Although a somewhat unexpected role in my more traditional career path, I can't think of a more exciting opportunity to serve the region," said Dr. Hathaway. "The leadership team at Mission Health, under the guidance of Ronald A. Paulus, MD, and Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN, is poised to continue on with successes for many years to come. I believe that healthcare, in general, and most certainly healthcare in western North Carolina, is truly at a crossroads. It is incumbent upon each of us to face the challenges before us so that we can continue to provide the highest level of quality care. I have no doubt that given the makeup of the exceptional leadership team and the dedication of the entire staff – physician and non-physician – that we will be successful."

"Over the past two years, Bill and I have developed an incredibly close working relationship. I have come to rely on his thoughtful advice, wise counsel and constant focus on 'making Mission Health the best' in a practical, patient-centered and physician-sensitive manner. His insight, passion and experience are invaluable to me," said Ronald A. Paulus, MD, President and CEO of Mission Health. "In partnership with Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN, Dale Fell, MD, Kathy Guyette, RN, William Maples, MD, Sonya Greck, and Marc Westle, DO, FACP, we have transformed the role of clinicians – joining with our terrific business partners to create an incredibly talented leadership team."

Dr. Hathaway will continue his cardiology clinical practice on a part-time basis at Asheville Cardiology Associates. "My love for serving my patients and continuing those relationships is something I can't ever imagine losing. At the same time, an opportunity to help shape the delivery of healthcare for all of our neighbors across western North Carolina is too important to pass up," said Dr. Hathaway.

Given the growth of Mission Health across the region, an increased need for medical leadership has become a crucial role. Dale E. Fell, MD, current Chief Medical Officer, will transition his focus on regionally supporting Mission Health's regional hospital members.

"I have been spending an increased portion of my time with our member hospitals in order to ensure Mission Health's quality standards are supported throughout our region," said Dr. Fell. "I believe Bill is an absolutely terrific choice for Mission Hospital's Chief Medical Officer, and I look forward to him joining the Mission Health leadership team."

About Mission Health

Mission Health, based in Asheville, N.C., is the state's sixth-largest health system and the region's only not-for-profit, independent community hospital system governed and managed exclusively in western North Carolina. In 2012 Mission Health was named one of the nation's Top 15 Health Systems by Thomson Reuters – the only health system in North Carolina to receive this recognition.

Mission Health, which traces its roots in the region back to 1885, operates five hospitals, numerous outpatient and surgery centers, and the region's only dedicated Level II trauma center. Its medical staff consists of more than 1,000 physicians and is certified in over 50 medical specialties and sub-specialties. Mission Health has seven Centers of Excellence: Cancer, Heart, Mission Children's Hospital, Neurosciences, Orthopedics, Trauma and Women's Health. Mission Hospital, located in Asheville, is the system's flagship hospital and is licensed for 730 beds. It is the regional referral center for tertiary and quaternary care and is the busiest surgical hospital in North Carolina. It also includes Mission Children's Hospital– the region's only children's hospital. Other Mission Health member hospitals include Angel Medical Center in Franklin, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, McDowell Hospital in Marion and Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard. With approximately 8,800 employees and 700 volunteers, Mission Health is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the people of western North Carolina.

SOURCE Mission Health