The chief medical officer role has undergone a radical transformation over the last two decades — not just expanding in scope, but reshaping how clinical leaders contribute to health system strategy.
Beyond clinical oversight and quality, today’s CMOs are helping shape growth and financial strategy, expand population health efforts and support workforce well-being and development, according to Geralda Xavier, MD, chief medical officer of Atlantic Health Systems’ Hackettstown and Newton Medical Centers in New Jersey.
“Back then, the focus was on medical staff oversight and some clinical operations, ensuring quality of health,” she said on a recent episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast. “That is important, but I think today with the evolving changes in healthcare delivery and technology advancement … chief medical officers have gotten to come along and be a strategic partner with the rest of leadership.”
CMOs like Dr. Xavier are playing a larger role in financial planning and growth strategy, working closely with CFOs and CEOs to align clinical priorities with market opportunities. Rather than simply managing budgets, they’re helping shape service line development, influence capital investments and ensure revenue strategies are informed by front-line realities. For example, Dr. Xavier oversaw the launch of a robotic surgery program in her market, not only to expand access to minimally invasive procedures but also to attract top medical talent.
In addition, CMOs have heightened responsibility to create positive work environments, tackling core issues such as burnout and turnover.
“We’re critically important to taking on a larger role addressing these clinician well-being issues and promoting healthy workplace culture, whether it’s by ensuring we have flexible work and schedules or ensuring that the EHR is such that we can unload the burden of the clinician in terms of documentation,” she said.
Dr. Xavier also emphasized CMOs’ growing influence in population health, particularly through improving transitions of care. Whether shifting patients from inpatient to ambulatory settings or coordinating with post-acute partners, CMOs are stepping in to streamline handoffs and reduce readmissions.
“We can really be part of the well-being of the community, not just the well-being at one stage of the patient’s journey of their life,” she said.
Listen to the full podcast episode here.
