SLIDELL, LA – Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) Chief Executive Officer Bill Davis announced the appointment of local family medicine physician James Newcomb, M.D., as the Vice President of Medical Affairs, joining the leadership team guiding both SMH and Ochsner Medical Center-Northshore (OMC-NS).
Effective Sunday, Jan. 1, Newcomb will assume his new role, in which he will serve on the Consolidated Management Team overseeing the two East St. Tammany Hospitals, as called for in the Joint Operating Agreement between SMH and Ochsner Health System (OHS).
Newcomb will partner with other senior leadership members and the two medical staffs to work toward a shared vision for SMH and OMC-NS, assure regulatory compliance in physician areas and drive quality and performance programs in both hospitals, Davis said. Additionally, Newcomb will act as a liaison between hospital administration and the physician staff members, assess clinical needs such as resources and equipment and monitor all aspects of operational and clinical performance. Davis said Newcomb will also be responsible for driving the culture of safety and interdisciplinary teamwork as well as developing goals for inpatient care that adhere to or exceed national standards.
Newcomb is a well-known, respected physician in St. Tammany Parish. He has practiced in Slidell for nearly 30 years and has additionally held several local healthcare leadership positions, including Vice President of Medical Affairs at OMC-NS, and medical staff president, board representative and board vice chairman at SMH. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
“We are very excited to have Dr. Newcomb’s expertise and experience on the Consolidated Management Team,” David said. “His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to pursue the vision for the partnership.”
Slidell Memorial Hospital is a full-service 229-bed acute care not-for-profit community hospital located at 1001 Gause Blvd., in the heart of Slidell. Founded in 1959, SMH serves as a primary healthcare resource for families in St. Tammany Parish, LA.; and, Pearl River County, MS.
