UnityPoint Health has appointed Peter George as the new chief medical officer for cardiovascular services. He will lead heart and vascular care initiatives across the Midwest, including facilities like St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
Gregory R. Johnson, UnityPoint’s chief medical officer, expressed confidence in George’s leadership. “His hands-on experience in heart care and management within a large health system make him the right choice to guide our cardiovascular teams,” Johnson remarked.
George will collaborate with Sharese Van Sloten, vice president of operations for cardiovascular services, to address heart care needs across their service areas. He aims to enhance care coordination, ensuring patients receive high-quality treatment close to home. “I look forward to partnering with the cardiovascular teams to build a patient-centered approach to heart care,” he said.
Starting in February, George brings extensive expertise to UnityPoint. Currently, he is the system vice president of acute care services for OhioHealth. His background includes various leadership roles within heart and vascular services. He is board certified in cardiovascular disease, focusing on outpatient general and preventative cardiology.
George graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine and holds an MBA from Fisher College of Business. He completed his cardiology fellowship at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan, serving as chief fellow from 1999 to 2000.
The cardiovascular leadership team at UnityPoint Health also includes Justin McDonald, administrative director, and Richard Kettelkamp, medical director of the Heart & Vascular Center.
According to recent statistics, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., highlighting the importance of effective cardiovascular care. The American Heart Association reported in 2021 that nearly 697,000 Americans died from heart disease, emphasizing the need for comprehensive health systems like UnityPoint to lead in heart care.
UnityPoint Health, headquartered in West Des Moines, operates over 400 physician clinics and 35 hospitals, employing more than 31,000 people. This broad network positions them to make a significant impact on cardiovascular health in their communities.
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