– Blue Ridge Health (BRH) is pleased to announce the appointment of MaryShell Zaffino, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective immediately. She previously served as the Medical Director of BRH – Chimney Rock Road before being promoted to Assistant CMO in February 2017.
“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. MaryShell Zaffino as Chief Medical Officer. She is an excellent physician and a proven leader who is dedicated to fulfilling our mission and serving our community," said Dr. Richard Hudspeth, Chief Executive Officer and former CMO for BRH.
Dr. Zaffino received her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston before moving to WNC to complete her Family Medicine Residency with the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency Program in Asheville. She has special interests in prenatal care, rural medicine, and migrant health, and previously served as the Board Chair for the Western Carolina Medical Society Board of Directors.
In her role as CMO, Dr. Zaffino will advise and lead physicians and staff in supporting the mission and goals of BRH to provide quality healthcare that is accessible and affordable for all. Her role includes overseeing the implementation of innovative clinical programs to advance quality improvement and new models of care for best practices in medicine. She will also work alongside senior leadership to help define the business strategy and clinical direction within the changing environment and complexities of the healthcare system.
During her tenure as the Assistant CMO, Dr. Zaffino recruited new providers, improved clinical quality, and increased the organization’s ability to deliver additional services to existing practice locations, while continuing to see patients at the BRH - Chimney Rock practice.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely with all of our outstanding and talented physicians and colleagues at Blue Ridge Health in this new role," said Dr. Zaffino. "We have a long-standing commitment to serving the health care needs of our communities by providing skilled, compassionate physicians and access to quality care that people can trust. I welcome the opportunity to promote excellence in patient care and continued growth in pursuit of our mission."
