Banner Estrella names two new physician leaders
PHOENIX (Feb. 17, 2009) – Ken Welch, MD, has accepted the position of Chief Medical Officer at Banner Estrella Medical Center. Dr. Welch replaces former Chief Medical Officer Charlie Agee, MD, who went to a new role as chief medical officer for Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center earlier this month.
“Ken brings high energy, and a unique set of leadership skills to Banner Estrella,” said Chief Executive Officer Kathy Bollinger. “He is clearly focused on doing the right thing for the patient. We are excited to have him as part of our team.”
Dr. Welch, a practicing obstetrician/gynecologist for more than 20 years, left private practice to provide medical direction for hospitals and non-profit organizations in the Valley. He brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to Banner Estrella.
A graduate of University of Mississippi, Dr. Welch attended medical school at the University of Tennessee, in Memphis. Following medical school, he completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix.
Dr. Welch comes to Banner Estrella most recently from TriWest Healthcare Alliance in Phoenix.
Chief of Staff Kent Johnson, MD, also has been elected by the hospital’s medical staff to a two-year term as Chief of Staff at Banner Estrella Medical Center. Dr. Johnson replaces former Chief of Staff Jon King, MD.
“I have no doubt Kent will do an exemplary job leading and representing the medical staff,” said Dr. King.
Prior to assuming his new role, Dr. Johnson served as Banner Estrella’s Vice Chief of Staff from 2007-2009, and Secretary/Treasurer from 2005-2007. In addition, he is closely involved in the Medical Staff Bylaws, Computer Physician Order Entry and Perinatal committees at the hospital.
Dr. Johnson attended medical school at Michigan State University. He was admitted into the Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. Dr. Johnson now represents more than 600 physicians that serve the Southwest Valley hospital.
About Banner Estrella Medical Center
Banner Estrella Medical Center, located on the southeast corner of the Loop 101 Freeway and Thomas Road, is a 214-bed full-service, non-profit hospital offering general surgery, orthopedics, women and infants services, a full cardiac program with open-heart surgery, emergency services, and imaging services. Banner Estrella is part of Banner Health, the leading provider of health care services in the Valley with 10 hospitals.
Contact:
Tiffany Tcheng at (623) 327-7168 or e-mail.
