(7/19/10) – McLeod Health is pleased to announce E. Coy Irvin, M.D., has joined the McLeod Regional Medical Center leadership team as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Irvin was selected to fill this position, formerly directed by Dr. Alva Whitehead, after a national search process was conducted.
Dr. Irvin comes to McLeod Health from Baptist Health in Pensacola, Florida, where he served as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Irvin also served patients in a Family Medicine practice for more than 20 years.

"I chose McLeod Health for their great work in quality and safety initiatives," said Dr. Irvin. "I was also drawn to their positive culture and the warm staff. For these reasons, McLeod was a perfect fit."

In his position, Dr. Irvin’s responsibilities include enhancing relationships and communications with the medical staff and assisting the Chief of Staff as well as other officers of the medical staff. His duties also include overseeing the McLeod Hospitalist program and assuring that appropriate physician education, peer review, and quality assurance systems are in place to fulfill the mission and goals of McLeod Health.

Dr. Irvin said he looks forward to working with the McLeod Medical Staff on the "journey" towards excellence. "I share the views of the McLeod Health leadership and physicians in that you must constantly look at quality and safety processes to improve."

"Dr. Irvin’s experience, knowledge and passion in what he does will add to the exceptional work our physicians and medical staff do at McLeod Health every day," added Marie Segars, Senior Vice President and Administrator of McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Irvin and his wife, Angie, have two daughters and one grandson.