Natchez — Dr. John O’Brien was elected chief of the medical staff during recent medical staff elections for Natchez Regional Medical Center.

As chief of staff, O’Brien was selected by his peers to serve as their primary liaison to the hospital’s administration, Board of Trustees and the community. In his role as chief of staff, O’Brien will also provide direction and oversee medical staff issues related to quality of care.

He will serve two terms in this position.

“We are pleased to have Dr. O’Brien as our liaison with the medical staff and the hospital,” said Lana Morgan, senior vice president and Chief Operations Officer for Natchez Regional. “We know he will provide leadership and input and direction as we continue implementing new best practices for delivering the highest quality care to our patient.”

O’Brien said he is looking forward to serving in the role.

“I am pleased to have been selected by my peers as the chief of staff and honored with the confidence they have placed in me. I look forward to playing an active role in the hospital’s continued successful reorganization, and find it especially rewarding to be in this position as the hospital celebrates its 50th anniversary in April 2010.”

O’Brien is in private practice in Natchez as a Nephrologist since 1991. Most recently, he was awarded the status of Fellow of the American College of Physicians. The ACP is the largest society of internists in the world, and Fellows are a special group of physicians who are dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching or research. Fellowship is an honorary designation given to recognize ongoing individual service and contributions to the practice of medicine

“Natchez Regional Medical Center is also pleased to announce that Dr. Scott Wolfe was elected as the Vice Chief of Staff and Dr. Lee England as the Secretary. The commitment and willingness of these physicians to give of their time and expertise to serve our medical center is deeply appreciated,” Morgan said.