North Kansas City Hospital announces two medical staff physician leaders.
“These physicians bring medical expertise and patient care experience that will enable us to continue providing quality medical services that deliver a lifetime of care,” said Peggy Schmitt, president and CEO of North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health.
James L. Stewart, MD, CHCQM
James L. Stewart, MD, CHCQM, became the hospital’s new chief medical officer on July 1, replacing Gary Carter, MD, the hospital’s recently retired CMO.
As CMO, Dr. Stewart will facilitate physician communications, contribute to strategic planning and the management of ongoing cost and quality directives.
“Dr. Stewart is well regarded for his wealth of knowledge about the clinical and business aspects of medicine and by his deep understanding of patients, clinicians and our institution,” Dr. Carter said. “The hospital will be in excellent hands with him.”
Before becoming CMO, Dr. Stewart served as the medical director of NKCH’s Case Management department. Prior to that role, he practiced internal medicine and specialized in geriatrics. He is board certified in healthcare quality and management and internal medicine. He also serves on the board of Northland Shepherd’s Center, a non-profit organization that provides seniors in the Northland with various programs and services.
Dr. Stewart earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1984 and 1986, respectively.
Gerald Y. Park, MD
Also taking on a new role in medical staff leadership is Gerald Y. Park, MD. Dr. Park made a name for himself at NKCH in 2006 when he performed its first robotic procedure. On July 1, Dr. Park also began another chapter, now serving as the hospital’s medical staff president.
Throughout his term, Dr. Park will provide leadership to his colleagues, acting as a liaison between the medical staff and the hospital’s administration and Board of Trustees.
“My goal is to represent the NKCH medical staff as we seek to continue our high level of clinical care and personal compassion, so we may continue our culture of excellence and cooperation,” Dr. Park said.
Dr. Park earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1995. He completed his general surgery residency and urology residency, for which he was chief resident, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1997 and 2000, respectively
About North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health
For more than half a century, North Kansas City Hospital has been the Northland’s preferred healthcare provider. NKCH is an acute-care facility with 451 licensed beds and 550 physicians representing 49 medical specialties. From a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, to award-winning cardiovascular and orthopedic programs, to home health and hospice, NKCH provides a lifetime of care.
In 2018, NKCH earned Magnet® designation, the highest achievement for nursing excellence. The hospital’s oncology partnership with The University of Kansas Cancer Center provides our patients access to clinical trials only available at the nation’s leading cancer centers.
Through its Meritas Health subsidiary, NKCH offers the largest network of provider practices in the Northland, with more than 140 primary and specialty care physicians in 30 convenient locations, including express care clinics in the Liberty, Gladstone and 64th Street Hy-Vee stores.
NKCH also operates Wellness Corners located in the North Kansas City YMCA, the Gladstone Community Center and Zona Rosa shopping center. The Wellness Corners offer free blood pressure checks; the opportunity to talk with a nurse; programming on obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease; health fairs and basic screenings; and wellness events.
The hospital’s mission, vision and values reflect a strong commitment to the health and well-being of the Northland community and beyond. Each year, NKCH sponsors approximately 60 charitable and community organizations and serves more than 24,000 people through its dynamic Community Health & Wellness programs.
Explore North Kansas City Hospital’s full range of services at nkch.org, and discover all the services Meritas Health offers at MeritasHealth.com.