Avera Queen of Peace Hospital has named Darren Manthey, MD, as its new chief medical officer for the organization starting March 1.
He will assume this role as Dr. Hilary Rockwell prepares to become the regional president and CEO of Avera Queen of Peace Hospital on July 1.
In addition to being the CMO, Dr. Manthey will continue to practice in the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital Emergency Department.
“Dr. Manthey recently attended the Avera Physician Academy, which is a program aimed at enhancing leadership skills. His work in emergency medicine and broad perspective on the medical field paired with his past administrative experience made him an ideal candidate for this role,” said Doug Ekeren, regional president and CEO of Avera Queen of Peace Hospital.
“I have worked alongside Dr. Manthey in the Emergency Department, and I know he cares deeply about providing high-quality care to the patients we serve,” said Dr. Rockwell, who is also an emergency medicine provider. “He will be a welcome addition to the administrative team and provide a strong voice for physicians.”
The CMO has primary responsibility for developing and strengthening physician and clinic relationships throughout the Mitchell region. This position represents the physician perspective and serves as a physician advocate promoting effective physician and health system relationships and clinical quality improvements.
Dr. Manthey has been an emergency medicine provider for almost 20 years and has worked in the AQOP Emergency Department since 2015. He went to the University of Minnesota Medical School and did his residency at the HealthPartners Institute/Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. Dr. Manthey is board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine.
“We have outstanding leadership and clinicians in the Avera Queen of Peace region,” said Dr. Manthey. “Working as a member of this administrative team and as a physician leader allows me to collaborate with my colleagues in a different way than I have in the past. Health care continues to evolve, and I am happy to be a part of this process as the hospital navigates change.”
Dr. Manthey said he is committed to transparency, open discussion and shared decision-making.
“Emergency medicine puts me at the intersection of patients and all of the other disciplines within medicine,” he added. “I send and receive patients to and from primary care providers and work closely with surgical and non-surgical specialties to provide quality care and help patients navigate their illnesses. I hope that by listening, learning and leading I can strengthen relationships within the health care community and help make the experience of the providers and the patients better while focusing on quality and the Avera mission.”
Dr. Manthey is married and has three children. He enjoys sharing time with his family, archery hunting and spending time at the lake.