St. Joseph’s Hospital Appoints New Vice President, Chief Medical Officer

Samir Akach, MD, MHCM, has been selected as vice president and chief medical officer for St. Joseph’s Hospital. 

Dr. Akach has 15 years of physician leadership experience in non-profit, academic and integrated health care organizations and community-based, for-profit systems. Prior to joining St. Joseph’s Hospital, he served in a leadership role at HCA Florida JFK Hospital and HCA Florida JFK North Hospital in Palm Beach County. Prior to HCA, he spent several years at Geisinger Health System, leading quality efforts across the system and serving as lead for the hospital medicine division. 

Dr. Akach earned his medical degree from the University of Damascus School of Medicine in Syria. He completed his residency at the Scranton Temple Residency Program and earned a master’s degree in health care management from Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. He is a Certified Physician Executive, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, American College of Healthcare Executives, and American Academy for Physician Leadership.

“Dr. Akach’s commitment to patient care aligns with the goals and values of St. Joseph’s Hospital,” said Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, chief physician executive, BayCare Health System. “His leadership and experience will be a great fit for the BayCare culture.” 

Dr. Akach is married with two children. His oldest daughter is in medical school and his son is a senior in high school. In his spare time Dr. Akach enjoys cooking, riding his road bike and enjoying the warm Florida weather.