Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has restructured some executive assignments to better meet the organization’s changing needs. The changes are effective May 11. For some time, the healthcare system has been pursuing State approval to build a hospital in Olive Branch, and having made significant progress in the Mississippi legislature this year, Methodist has assigned a full-time executive to lead this important initiative. David Baytos, currently CEO and administrator of Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, will take on this role.

“David’s experience in securing State approval for the Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown expansion and overseeing significant design and construction projects make him extremely well suited to lead the Olive Branch initiative,” said Shorb. “I also think it makes a strong statement about how serious we are about our plans in Olive Branch.”

In addition, Baytos’ knowledge of the North Mississippi market and his commitment to patient and family centered-care will ensure that the proposed 100-bed acute care facility is designed to best meet the community’s needs. Other new duties will include overseeing Methodist’s relationships with sister hospitals outside of the U.S.

In addition to Baytos’ responsibility for the proposed Olive Branch hospital and related healthcare services, he will also oversee an exciting initiative Methodist is pursuing to enhance health care in China, serving as the health system’s liaison for international management consulting agreements. As the Chinese healthcare system continues to develop, Chinese leaders are eager to import American healthcare expertise, and they are compensating leading U.S. healthcare systems for such services. Shin-an Hospital in Shanghai, China has just signed an agreement with Methodist for this purpose and Baytos will head that initiative. In his new role as senior vice president/CEO of Mississippi and International Healthcare Services, Baytos will also oversee existing arrangements with hospitals in Russia and Bangladesh.

Since 1998, Baytos has led Germantown through a series of expansions, adding clinical services and beds while enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to patients and their families.

William Kenley, currently CEO/administrator at Methodist North Hospital, has been chosen as Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital’s CEO.

“In the midst of expansion construction, Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital will need a strong leader to fill David’s shoes,” said Shorb. “William has done an outstanding job leading Methodist North to become the first private hospital in Memphis with an electronic medical record. The Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital expansion will be complete in early 2010. Steve Miller, M.D. will serve as interim CEO at North while a comprehensive search for Kenley’s replacement is conducted.

Kenley has served as CEO/administrator of Methodist North Hospital since 2004, and under his leadership North has pioneered the transition to the electronic medical record. With Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital’s electronic medial record conversion on the horizon, Kenley’s skills and experience will be invaluable.

“Great organizations are known for building a cadre of strong leaders with the flexibility to apply their skills to new assignments as needed, and I am pleased that Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is such an organization,” said Shorb. “Our patients, families, physicians and Associates will certainly benefit from the energy and vision David and William will bring to their new roles.”