Dr. James Creel, interim chief medical officer for Erlanger Health System since May 14, has accepted the permanent position of Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

“We are extremely pleased that Dr. Creel has agreed to assume the permanent role of CMO,” said Charlesetta Woodard-Thompson, Erlanger President and CEO. “With his proven ability to encourage teamwork and cooperation among medical personnel throughout the area, he is one of the most respected and admired physicians in the region. He has been instrumental in many of our strategic initiatives, and his leadership and direction are invaluable to Erlanger and our community.”

Dr. Creel recently concluded a term as Chief of Staff for Erlanger Health System and has been Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Level One Trauma Center for many years.

In addition to practicing emergency medicine, Dr. Creel has been a pioneer in the implementation of advanced skills for emergency medicine. He developed the first Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga (UTCOMC) – the first program of its kind in the UT system – and currently serves as Interim Chair of the program. He has also served as Assistant Professor in both the Departments of Surgery and Internal Medicine for UTCOMC.

Dr. Creel’s service to the community includes the roles of Medical Director for Hamilton County EMS and Walker County EMS, First Responders and Chattanooga Fire; Team Physician for Hamilton County SWAT; Medical Director of Hamilton County Jail and Silverdale; and Director of Med Comm.

Dr. Creel received his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and completed his internship at St. Mary’s Hospital in Montreal, Quebec. He is board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine. He has been an Oral Examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine for approximately 25 years.Dr. Creel Becomes Erlanger CMO