Steward Health Care announced today that Dr. Octavio (Tavi) Diaz, Steward’s Chief Medical Officer is joining the leadership team in the Massachusetts region as President of its North region, effective Thursday, February 29. As CMO, Dr. Diaz has played an integral role in leading programs throughout Steward’s network focused on the safety and quality of care for patients and their families. The appointment underscores Steward’s continued commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to every patient at each of its seven acute care hospitals in Massachusetts.

With more than three decades of clinical experience and more than 20 years of executive healthcare experience, Dr. Diaz is a highly sought-after speaker and thought leader when it comes to understanding the business of healthcare and how to optimize and drive stronger health outcomes for challenging patient populations.

As Dr. Diaz begins his new leadership responsibilities in Massachusetts, he will be meeting with hospital staff and leaders at each of Steward’s hospitals in the state. He will also be meeting with as many key stakeholders as possible to gain an even deeper understanding of Steward’s operations in the north region and how to collectively to drive even better patient outcomes and provide the highest quality, most compassionate care in all the communities it serves.

“Dr. Diaz is a strong, compassionate physician leader whose appointment to this role is critical as we continue working in our role as the primary caregiver to some of the most vulnerable residents and communities in the Commonwealth,” said Mark Rich, President of Steward Health Care. “He has deep experience with patient safety, a strong understanding of delivering exceptional care, and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our hospitals in the state.”

A native of Greenfield, Massachusetts, Dr. Diaz began his career in medicine as both a public health student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and again as a resident. He also holds a master’s degree in public health from Boston University. He is board certified in emergency medicine and maintains an active medical license in Massachusetts.

Dr. Diaz’s appointment comes at a pivotal time of transition for Steward. Recently, Steward announced new funding, reiterated that it has no plans to close any hospitals, and unveiled a plan to address business challenges and move Steward into its next operational phase. Steward remains committed to continuing to work with elected leaders in Massachusetts on an orderly transition that emphasizes the continuity of first-class medical care in the state.

Dr. Diaz’s appointment builds on the progress of Dr. Michael Callum, Executive Vice President of Physician Services who is stepping in to a new role. He will now oversee the management of Steward facilities across the Midwest and South, including in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Arkansas. He will also be working on long-term strategy across all Steward hospitals.

“Dr. Callum’s working relationship with all of Steward’s key constituents: as a care provider, as a physician leader and as a regional leader will be invaluable in this position. Additionally, Dr. Callum’s work leading Steward’s physician network nationwide has allowed us to become a leader in performance and patient-based outcomes. We are pleased that he has accepted this new and important role,” added Rich.

About Steward Health Care

Over a decade ago, Steward Health Care System emerged as a different kind of health care company designed to usher in a new era of wellness. One that provides our patients better, more proactive care at a sustainable cost, our providers unrivaled coordination of care, and our communities greater prosperity and stability.

As the country’s largest physician-led, minority-owned, integrated health care system, our doctors can be certain that we share their interests and those of their patients. Together we are on a mission to revolutionize the way health care is delivered - creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world.

Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates more than 30 hospitals across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

For more information, visit steward.org

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