Groundbreakers: Organizational Changes

We recently created a Department of Anesthesiology to better serve our patients. Neil Macdonald, M.D., will serve as chair of the new department and Stephen Lovern, D.N.P., will serve as vice president in addition to his existing role as vice president of the Department of Surgery.

Activity level and demand for anesthesia providers at Carilion have shown the need to create the new department; we'll further support our existing anesthesia staff and expand opportunities for C.R.N.A.s, medical students and residents, particularly given the national shortage of anesthesia providers. Leaders are beginning the foundational work to develop a residency training program in anesthesiology, and efforts are underway to create a Department of Anesthesiology within the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

Dr. Macdonald has been practicing anesthesiology with Carilion since 1994 and is active in direct patient care with a focus on our pediatric population. He teaches medical students and residents in his role as assistant professor at VTCSOM and has served as medical director of Anesthesia for Carilion since 2013.

Dr. Macdonald has a strong background in physician administration and medical staff affairs, having served in many leadership roles including chief of the Department of Anesthesia, as well as chief of staff at Carilion Medical Center. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California and earned his M.P.H. and M.D. from the University of Michigan. He completed his residency and research fellowship in anesthesiology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

Stephen Lovern was recently named vice president of the Department of Surgery. He received his L.P.N. from the Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Practical Nursing, a B.S.N. and a M.S.N. from Jefferson College of Health Sciences and a D.N.P. from James Madison University. Since 2010, he has been a leader in the Department of Surgery, including serving as senior director of Operating Room Services.

"As Carilion continues to grow and innovate, it has become clear that creating a Department of Anesthesiology is imperative to improving care for our patients," said Steve Arner, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "The experience Neil and Stephen have as leaders and caregivers will serve as a solid foundation for continuing our partnership with existing, locally-based anesthesia partners and in building a Carilion-wide department."

Please join us in welcoming them to these new roles.

   
L-R: Dr. Neil Macdonald, Stephen Lovern