Cape Girardeau hospital names new regional vice presient | News

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - A Cape Girardeau hospital announced Thursday they have named a Vice President of Regional Operations.

SoutheastHEALTH President and CEO Wayne Smith announced that Paula Harris will be the new vice president. Harris most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Health Care Management Services headquartered in Poplar Bluff.

She will assume her role following the Jan. 1 acquisition of Advanced by SoutheastHEALTH. Her background includes clinical experience in acute, skilled, ambulatory and home care settings. Harris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Union University in Jackson, Tenn. and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. She earned her Master of Business Administration degree from NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Harris served as Advanced’s CEO five years.

Harris is now responsible for all SoutheastHEALTH facilities outside Cape County. These include:

• Missouri Southern Healthcare and primary care clinics in Bloomfield, Bernie, Malden and Dexter;
• Advanced’s entities which include Advanced Healthcare Medical Center in Ellington and primary/specialty care operations in Ellington, Poplar Bluff Doniphan and Van Buren as well as a retail pharmacy and medical spa in Poplar Bluff; and
• Ripley County Memorial Hospital in Doniphan.

Harris said she “could not be more delighted” about joining the SoutheastHEALTH team.

“The culture of Southeast and their commitment to providing excellent care at an affordable cost, close to home is a great fit for the communities we serve," she said. "Area residents will be assured of an ongoing continuum of care.”

In the coming months, Harris said Southeast will expand services in these areas and continue to grow as a regional healthcare system.

“The acquisition of Advanced Healthcare was an asset purchase, but clearly the most valuable asset we’ve acquired is the talented team of physicians, leaders and support staff," President and CEO Wayne Smith said. "Paula’s experience and demonstrated achievements will be a tremendous asset to SoutheastHEALTH."

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