Mercy Health-Springfield (Ohio) has selected Austin Al-Kazaz, MD, to serve as its inaugural vice president of medical affairs, effective Sept. 1.
Dr. Al-Kazaz will lead physician engagement, alignment and recruitment efforts. He will also spearhead initiatives to optimize operational efficiency at Springfield Regional Medical Center and Urbana (Ohio) Hospital, both part of Mercy Health-Springfield.
Dr. Al-Kazaz previously served as a hospitalist at the two hospitals. He joined Mercy Health in 2021. Before that, he held physician positions with several health systems, including Columbus-based OhioHealth
Mercy Health is part of Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health. Bon Secours Health System and Mercy merged in 2018, creating the nation's fifth-largest Catholic health system.