Las Vegas, Nev. — Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center has named Dr. Suresh Ponnada as the new chief medical officer (CMO). In this role, Dr. Ponnada will help lead clinical strategy and support the quality, safety and effectiveness of care delivered throughout the hospital.
Staying within HCA Healthcare’s Sunrise Health System, Dr. Ponnada joins Southern Hills Hospital from Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, where he most recently served as the associate chief medical officer (ACMO). He brings a strong background in clinical care, hospital operations, physician engagement and patient safety, along with experience leading teams focused on improving outcomes and expanding access to care.
“Dr. Ponnada is a thoughtful leader who values collaboration and understands what it takes to support excellent care in a growing community,” said Nick Johnson, chief executive officer of Southern Hills Hospital. “His experience partnering with physicians, nurses and care teams will help us continue strengthening the way we care for patients across Southern Hills Hospital.”
Prior to his role as ACMO at Sunrise Hospital, he held several progressive leadership roles at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia, including chief hospitalist, medical director of physician advisory services and medical director of care management. Prior to that, Dr. Ponnada completed his residency in internal medicine at St. Vincent Charity Hospital and Case Western Reserve University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ponnada has focused on bringing teams together around a shared vision of excellence while delivering meaningful improvements in quality, safety, patient experience and operational performance. His leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in collaboration, accountability and a relentless commitment to doing what is best for patients and the community.
“Southern Hills Hospital has a strong history of serving patients and families across the Las Vegas community,” Dr. Ponnada said. “I look forward to working alongside our physicians, nurses and care teams to improve outcomes, strengthen collaboration and help ensure patients receive the quality care they deserve.”