Fisher-Titus Medical Center names new president

Dr. Brent W. Burkey, of Westlake, has been named the new president of Fisher-Titus Medical Center, according to an announcement by Matt Gross, CEO-Fisher-Titus Health.Burkey is currently chief medical officer at Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital. He began his career in health care as a hospitalist in the Clinic's department of hospital medicine in 2004. During his 14-year tenure at the Clinic, Dr. Burkey has held numerous leadership positions across a variety of disciplines including clinical, information technology, and operations. He was named vice president of medical affairs at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital in 2014 and was instrumental in opening the newly constructed Avon hospital in 2016."Dr. Burkey brings to Fisher-Titus extensive operational and medical experience at one of America's top hospitals and, as a physician, understands the challenges that physicians face in today's health care environment," said Gross. "His health care system experience and belief in the importance of community hospitals will help us continue our success in providing the highest quality of care to our local community."A native of Dover, Pa., Burkey earned a doctor of medicine degree in 2001 and graduated cum laude with a bachelor's of science degree in 1997, both from MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pa. In 2009, Burkey earned a master's in business administration from Mont Ajuha School of Business, Cleveland State University.As president of Fisher-Titus Medical Center, Burkey will focus on and manage hospital and Medical Center operations, quality, safety, and medical ancillary performance. Gross continues in his role as CEO of the Fisher-Titus Health system."I am very excited to join the Fisher-Titus family and be a part of this highly regarded organization," said Burkey. "It's clear that the foresight of Fisher-Titus leaders, past and present, has resulted in a strong foundation with all of the crucial elements in place to move forward in this era of health care reform and enhance the level of care we provide to the community."Burkey and his wife, Betsy, have two sons, ages 10 and 6, and a daughter, 4.Burkey succeeds Lorna Strayer who, last fall, announced her desire to retire. At this time, she has agreed to stay to assist the organization with the transition in leadership."Based on Lorna's legacy knowledge about Fisher-Titus, as well as her dedication to health care in the region, she is a valuable resource to our organization," said Gross.Burkey