14 Jul New Executive Director of VIM Clinic – Dr. John Newman
After a national search for candidates, the Board of Directors of Volunteers in Medicine Clinic (VIM Clinic) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Newman, MD, FACS as the organization’s new Executive Director. A general surgeon specializing in bariatrics, Dr. Newman served as Hospital President and Chief Medical Officer for Advocate Aurora Health in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the past six years.
“Dr. Newman brings an impressive background to VIM Clinic and we are exceptionally pleased that he has taken on this leadership role,” said Lynn Jennings Taylor, VIM Clinic Board Chair. “His passion and commitment to the clinic’s mission coupled with his extensive experience in leadership, quality improvement and organizational oversight make him well-positioned to lead us going forward.”
Dr. Newman received his Medical School training at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda before becoming a US Naval flight surgeon. He went on to further his General Surgery training at the National Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia and enjoyed a Military and Civilian practice in Virginia for 20 years. He ultimately became the Chief of Surgery for Sentara Medical Group in Norfolk, VA where he was responsible for the oversight of 45 surgeons and advancing surgical safety in 11 hospitals. Dr. Newman has received numerous commendations and awards including a nomination for USN Flight Surgeon of the Year, and selection to the GE Health Management Academy Fellowship. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh recently awarded him the Chancellors Medallion, for Community Partnership during Covid-19.
The leadership team at VIM Clinic is confident that under Dr. Newman’s direction, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic will continue to grow, serving as a vital community asset that vastly improves the quality of life for our neighbors who needs us. Dr. Newman is passionate about improving the quality of life and care for patients and communities, particularly addressing social determinants of health and the needs of vulnerable populations. He looks forward to broadening VIM Clinic’s outreach efforts, ensuring clinic awareness for those whom VIM Clinic is missioned to serve as well as the community at large. When asked about his new position at VIM Clinic, Dr. Newman stated, “It is my pleasure to serve VIM Clinic which has such a sterling reputation in the Lowcountry. I look forward to helping VIM Clinic navigate its next phase of growth, allowing it to continue with resiliency its 28-year legacy of providing high-quality healthcare for the men, women and children of Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands.” When asked how he was going to manage the culture shock of coming from Northeast Wisconsin, he reminded us he was born in Charleston, and thrilled to be back home in the Lowcountry.
Dr. Newman and his wife, Jennifer, have four children and will reside on Hilton Head Island.