SoutheastHEALTH names new chief medical officer

Dr. Dennis E. Means will begin work as SoutheastHEALTH's new chief medical officer in mid-June. Dr. Robert Sarama has served as interim chief medical officer while a national search was conducted for a permanent chief medical officer.

Means previously worked at the Carilion Clinic, New River Valley Campus, in Christiansburg, Va., serving as vice president of medical affairs since 2007. Means also served as assistant dean for diversity at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Va.

He received his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit and completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Wayne State University and Detroit Medical Center. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

Wayne Smith, SoutheastHEALTH president and CEO, said Means brings with him a wealth of leadership experience from his positions at the Carilion Clinic and VTC School of Medicine.

"His demonstrated success with oversight of a 300-member medical staff, coupled with his clinical effectiveness and strong background in quality process improvements, will provide an excellent fit as physician leader with the SoutheastHEALTH team," Smith said in a news release.

Pertinent address:

1701 Lacey Street, Cape Girardeau, MO