Dr. James Creel has accepted a permanent position as Erlanger Health System’s chief medical officer (CMO). He has served as interim CMO since May 14,

“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 served as chief of emergency medicine at the level one trauma center for many years.

In addition to practicing emergency medicine, Dr. Creel 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 serves as interim chair of the program. He has also served as assistant professor in the departments of surgery and internal medicine for UTCOMC.

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 and hyperbaric medicine. He has been an oral examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine for approximately 25 years.

The Erlanger Health System has five Tennessee-based medical campuses, including the region’s only children’s hospital and level one trauma center. Affiliated with the University of Tennessee-College of Medicine Chattanooga, Erlanger is also the region’s only academic teaching center and treats more than a quarter million patients every year.