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Novant Health has promoted two executives into new roles within the health system to help “drive innovation and elevate the patient experience” across the network. These new appointments will focus on recruiting physicians, fostering new partnerships and improving clinical strategy and operations. Why It Matters Novant is an integrated health system in North and South Carolina with nearly 900 locations, including hospitals, physician clinics, urgent care centers, outpatient facilities and imaging and pharmacy services. It employs more than 41,000 people, with more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians. What to Know CJ Atkinson was appointed as senior vice president of physician enterprise operations and network development for Novant Health. He previously served as deputy chief physician executive for Novant Health Enterprises. In this new role, Atkinson will work closely with acute and primary care operations, as well as specialty institutions, to ensure seamless, high-value support is delivered across the system. John Gizdic, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Novant Health, said in a statement that Atkinson will serve as a key executive leader with enterprise-wide responsibility for Novant Health’s physician operations. “We look forward to his leadership in helping to recruit physicians while overseeing the development of our network and services," he said. "In addition, he’ll contribute to building our current regions and fostering partnership opportunities to advance how we are able to support the communities we serve well into the future.” Additionally, Bill Schiff will build upon his experience as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Enterprises Management Services and chief payor officer for Novant Health in his new role as senior vice president and chief payor strategy officer. Schiff has more than 25 years of health care industry experience, including clinical operations, payor negotiations and value-based care. He will now be in charge of payor strategy initiatives, driving innovation and cultivating strategic partnerships. Schiff will also lead the Population Health Services Organization (PHSO), which supports independent physicians delivering value-based care in the communities Novant Health serves. “Bill’s successful track record, especially in developing and implementing strategic plans that drive growth and improve operational efficiency, will continue to be invaluable as we navigate the evolving healthcare landscape,” Alice Pope, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Novant Health, said in a statement. “We are confident that in their new roles and with their levels of experience, Dr. Atkinson and Bill will continue to build strong connections between clinical strategy and operations, further enabling our teams to deliver remarkable care while positioning Novant Health for continued success.” This leadership news comes as Novant is growing its network by adding a gastroenterology practice. Earlier this week, the health system announced that Novant Health Gastroenterology, formerly Hilton Head Gastroenterology, offers digestive care at two locations in Hilton Head and Hardeeville. This facility will provide on-site diagnostic testing, including endoscopy, colonoscopy procedures and ultrasounds to diagnose common and complex digestive conditions. Specialists will help patients manage and treat abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, gallbladder concerns, liver concerns and more. It will also provide personalized care to fit patient needs, from managing long-term conditions to preventative care. Novant already offers surgical care at Novant Health General Surgery – Hilton Head, formerly Surgical Specialists Hilton Head General & Laparoscopic Surgery. This clinic specializes in a range of advanced techniques, including procedures involving the head and neck, the vascular system, surgical oncology, breast, skin and soft tissue, abdomen and trauma. “With more than 60 years of combined service in the Lowcountry, we’re proud to welcome these clinics, surgeons and providers to our Novant Health network,” Joel Taylor, president of the Novant Health Hilton Head area, said in a statement. “Their skill and expertise will help patients receive the critical care they need when it comes to surgical and gastroenterological needs. We look forward to working with them to further advance the care we provide to our patients and communities.”
