Henrico Doctors’ Hospital names new chief medical officer

HCA Virginia’s Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has named Dennis Szurkus, Jr. as its new chief medical officer. He began his new role this month.

Szurkus most recently served as the vice president of medical affairs at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk. Prior to his role there, he was vice president of medical affairs at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.

“Dennis is an accomplished executive whose energy and extensive background will allow us to build upon an effective health care strategy for those we serve,” said Ryan Jensen, chief executive officer of Henrico Doctors’ Hospitals. “I am confident that his leadership will help bring us to a higher level in the delivery of patient care.”

A certified physician executive, Szurkus is a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a graduate of the Congress's Physician Leadership Academy. He also has a strong interest in clinical quality, the patient experience, and community service.

Szurkus graduated from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine with a Doctorate of Medicine and completed his residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Naval Medical Center San Diego, where he served as chief resident.

He also is a veteran who served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as department head of gynecology at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Szurkus is the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal with three gold stars and the Navy Achievement Medal with a gold star. During his tenure as a Naval officer, Szurkus was stationed overseas in Keflavik, Iceland, where he served on the medical executive committee, and in Rota, Spain, where he was interim department head. At Naval Hospital Pensacola, Szurkus was a member of the executive committee of the medical staff; and an adjunct assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.