Dr. John Kohler, MD, MBA named Onslow Memo­r­i­al Hospital’s Chief Med­ical Officer

ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. – Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) is pleased to announce its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. John Kohler, MD, MBA. As CMO, Dr. Kohler will set the direction for the hospital's medical department, enhance physician engagement, and promote collaboration with local health systems, community-based providers, and academic institutions. Dr. Kohler brings a new clinical perspective to the hospital’s vision and strategy, which will drive quality outcomes, enhance service line growth and transform the delivery of patient care at OMH.

“The role of the chief medical officer is a critical component of hospital operations and I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Kohler to this role,” said Dr. Penney Burlingame Deal, DHA, RN, FACHE. “I look forward to working together as he continues to build on our commitment to prioritize quality throughout the system. Dr. Kohler is a thoughtful and engaged leader who will serve our physicians, staff, and our community well in his role as Chief Medical Officer. Known for his wisdom and authenticity, I have no doubt that these characteristics are what will guide Dr. Kohler’s work as he embarks upon this new chapter for Onslow Memorial Hospital.”

Dr. Kohler brings years of clinical and leadership experience to Onslow Memorial Hospital. He previously served as the Regional Chief Medical Officer for SSM Health in Southern Illinois, and President of the Medical group, where he had been a physician leader and voice for 115 physicians across Southern Illinois. Dr. Kohler has also been a leader in quality improvement, overseeing quality, as Director of Quality for the NICU, and the Clinical Director of Quality for Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina. While at Maynard Children's Hospital, Dr. Kohler championed a safety culture, organizing a multidisciplinary, multi-professional group that successfully and sustainably reduced Hospital Acquired Conditions (HAC) in children. This HAC campaign was called the "Sea of Safety," and Dr. Kohler and his team were awarded the Vidant Health Quality Leadership Award for this campaign. After serving two years as the Director of Quality for the Maynard Children’s Hospital, Dr. Kohler was then promoted to Senior Medical Director for Quality for Vidant Medical Center.

“I am honored and excited to serve Onslow in this new capacity as Chief Medical Officer,” said Dr. Kohler. “I look forward to using my experience in training physicians, treating patients during emergency situations, and expanding and advancing care, to help push Onslow forward as we work to continually meet the needs of our community.”

Onslow Memorial Hospital’s affiliation with UNC Health is something Dr. Kohler holds in high regard. Their vision and work in the areas of population health, quality improvement, and health equity, among others, align with his areas of passion and expertise. He is looking forward to collaborating with the other Chief Medical Officers across the UNC Health system.

“Dr. Kohler’s wealth of expertise provides Onslow Memorial Hospital with new opportunities to accelerate our clinical and public health capabilities and infrastructure in ways that enhance healthcare equity, affordability, quality, and accessibility on behalf of those we serve,” said Mr. Pat Alford, OMH Board Chair. “We are fortunate to welcome such an experienced medical professional to Onslow.”

Dr. Kohler received his undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Biology from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. He is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina and received an MBA from North Carolina State University. Dr. Kohler initially trained in pediatrics and completed his Fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center.