Jason H. Smith, MD, an experienced Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with deep roots in Georgia, joined St. Mary's Health Care System on Feb. 24 as the system's new Chief Medical Officer, which includes three acute care facilities and St. Mary's Medical Group.

Dr. Smith returns to Georgia from Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam in Beaver Dam, Wis., where he served as CMO from July 2016 until now. He brings a 15-year record of achievement, including a history of success in improving quality and facility reputation in the community and among regulatory agencies. He is experienced in creating training programs, assessing physician competencies, developing clinical protocols, and ensuring state and federal licensing requirements are met.

Dr. Smith received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his Residency at the Montgomery Center for Family Medicine in Greenwood, S.C. He earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. His experience includes direct patient care, service as medical director of Tanner Health System in Carrollton, Ga., and leadership positions with Archbold Health System in South Georgia, including serving as chief of staff at Mitchell County Hospital and medical director of Mitchell Convalescent Center, both in Camilla, Ga

With the help of St. Mary's parent ministry, Trinity Health, the system conducted a nationwide search for a new Chief Medical Officer following the retirement of St. Mary's long-time CMO, Dr. Bruce Middendorf.

"Our leadership team was tremendously impressed with Dr. Smith's credentials, but even more so with his ability to build strong relationships and personal connections," said Montez Carter, St. Mary's President and CEO. "We are confident he is exactly the right person at this time, and we are excited to welcome him to our ministry."

Dr. Smith is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Association for Physician Leadership, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. A strong believer in the power of community involvement, he has an extensive record of volunteer service, from serving on multiple chambers of commerce to being an advisory council member for the Appalachian Center for Wilderness Medicine.