Oklahoma physician named chief medical officer of Arkansas Children’s Northwest
by June 6, 2017 12:39 pm 1,144 views
Robert Williams has been named chief medical officer for Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale. Arkansas Children’s announced the appointment Tuesday (June 6).
As chief medical officer, Williams will provide “operational leadership and oversight of the medical services” at Arkansas Children’s Northwest, which is under construction and expected to open in January 2018, according to a news release. “He will work with the clinical departments and hospital administration in program growth and development and oversee the quality of medical care provided” at the hospital.
Williams previously was assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. He worked with electronic medical record systems as the information technology medical director at the Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center before he became medical director for pediatric emergency medicine.
“Rob’s extensive experience in IT operations and pediatric emergency medicine will be invaluable as we work together to open the new hospital,” said Trisha Montague, senior vice president/chief administrator for Arkansas Children’s Northwest. “Rob brings great clinical expertise as well as extensive knowledge and passion about patient safety, child advocacy and pediatric outreach.”
Williams graduated with an English degree from the University of California and received a medical degree from St. George’s University. He completed his pediatric residency and fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
“Anyone who has worked at Arkansas Children’s before would understand why we’d come back to Arkansas,” Williams said. “Arkansas Children’s has a reputation that goes well beyond the state’s borders. And this is a very exciting opportunity to serve Northwest Arkansas. We’re hoping to augment the outstanding pediatric care that is already given in that region.”