Dr. Marjorie Bessel becomes Banner’s executive physician leader, following the retirement of Dr. John Hensing
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PHOENIX (Jan. 31, 2018) – Today Banner Health announces that Marjorie Bessel, MD, will serve as Banner’s next chief clinical officer and as part of the organization’s Senior Leadership Team. Her appointment follows the retirement of longtime chief clinical officer John Hensing, MD.
Dr. Bessel also joins a very small group of women who are providing executive leadership as chief clinical officers in health systems across the country.
“I believe Dr. Bessel’s proven track record and ability to influence, lead and collaborate to deliver results makes her an ideal fit for our chief clinical officer,” said Peter S. Fine, President & CEO for Banner. “She will bring a great balance of strategy and execution to this role.”
After joining Banner 12 years ago, Dr. Bessel has served in progressive physician leadership positions. She initially served as chief medical officer for a variety of Banner hospitals in the Phoenix metro area, followed by a role as chief medical officer for the Arizona Division. She has also held the roles of vice president for Continuum Management and later vice president for Clinical Integration. She most recently served as vice president/chief medical officer for Community Delivery, including hospital and ambulatory operations in six states.
Dr. Bessel is experienced in a variety of areas of strategic importance to the organization and health care industry including hospital operations, medical group operations, emergency operations, post-acute services, ambulatory services and physician leadership development. She has a personal passion for empowering patients through information transparency. She is also leading work at Banner to address concerns surrounding physician burnout.
Dr. Bessel began her career as a practicing, board-certified internist. She completed her residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and attended medical school at Rush Medical College.
Dr. Hensing was named a senior vice president in 1995 and later executive vice president and chief medical officer for Banner. After serving as Banner’s top physician for many years, he announced his intention to retire last year.