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ABINGDON, Va. – Ballad Health has selected Dr. Jesse Sulzer, a seasoned physician leader with expertise in operational, clinical and strategic healthcare leadership, to serve as the chief medical officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital, Russell County Hospital and Smyth County Community Hospital, effective December 2024. 

In his new role, Dr. Sulzer oversees the clinical operations of those three hospitals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and enhancing patient outcomes. He is responsible for implementing and maintaining clinical quality standards, supporting medical staff and collaborating with teams across departments to drive operational efficiency and strategic growth. Dr. Sulzer also leads efforts to advance physician engagement and development, foster multidisciplinary collaboration and support the hospital’s mission to deliver exceptional care to the community.

“I am extremely excited and honored to join this team as chief medical officer,” said Dr. Sulzer. “The three hospitals have a strong history of serving Southwest Virginia with excellence, and I am committed to working closely with our medical staff, team members and leadership to advance that legacy. Together, we will focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, fostering innovation and ensuring operational and clinical efficiency. I am excited to collaborate with our talented team of professionals to create meaningful improvements for our patients and their families. It is a privilege to serve this community and be part of such a dedicated organization.”

Dr. Sulzer joins Ballad Health from Mission Health, a member of HCA Healthcare, in Asheville, North Carolina, where he held several leadership roles, including chair of surgery, chair of robotics and medical director of surgical services. As head of the surgery department, he successfully led the department’s 10 clinical sections, implemented quality assurance policies and ensured regulatory compliance. 

Dr. Sulzer also has a strong background in academic medicine, having served as a clinical faculty member for the General Surgery Residency program at Mountain Area Health Education Center and as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of North Carolina.

“Dr. Sulzer is a dynamic and accomplished physician leader, with comprehensive knowledge of clinical care operations, financial stewardship and physician management,” said John Jeter, chief executive officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital and Bristol Regional Medical Center.

“His experience in clinical operations, quality assurance and multidisciplinary collaboration will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the care we provide. Dr. Sulzer’s commitment to excellence aligns with the mission of Ballad Health, and I am confident that, under his leadership, we will achieve new levels of clinical success and innovation.”

“Dr. Sulzer is an outstanding addition to the leadership team here for these hospitals,” said Dr. Chad Couch, president of Ballad Health’s Northern Region. “Dr. Sulzer’s passion for innovation and patient-centered care, combined with his proven leadership in both healthcare and education, positions him effectively to lead our medical teams with vision and purpose. I am confident his expertise will help us achieve new levels of clinical excellence while fostering collaboration among our physicians and team members. We are excited to welcome Dr. Sulzer and look forward to the positive impact he will make across our hospitals and the region.”

Dr. Sulzer earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree from Louisiana State University, and a doctorate degree in physiology from Louisiana State University Health Services Center, where he also completed his residency in general surgery. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina.