Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon John Walsh, MD, has been named Florida Hospital Flagler Chief Medical Officer.

David Ottati, Florida Hospital Flagler CEO, said the new position was created to enhance the organization’s quality and service by increasing physician dedication. The CMO position will work to continually strengthen the relationships between physicians, clinicians and non-clinicians.

Dr. Walsh will continue his surgical practice, but will also have a part-time office located in the hospital’s Administration office.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Walsh performs advanced vascular and thoracic surgeries at Florida Hospital Flagler, including endovascular surgical intervention, which results in a patient’s quicker recovery time and smaller scars.

He has practiced in the Palm Coast area for more than seven years and was recently recognized as one of America’s Top Surgeons by the Consumer’s Research Council of America. He has served as Florida Hospital Flagler’s Chief of Surgery since 2008 and been on the hospital’s Board of Directors for three years. He completed his residency at George Washington University Medical Center and is board certified in thoracic surgery.