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Dr. Peter Shea named next Backus Medical Director

Peter Shea, MD, a 23-year-member of the Backus Medical Staff and Norwich Medical Associates, has been chosen as the next Medical Director of the Hospital. He will replace W. Gordon Van Nes, MD, who is retiring in April.

In addition to his extensive clinical background, he has years of experience on the Hospital's Board of Trustees and Administration.

"I'm hoping that my background in these areas will help me understand the dynamics of what is happening at Backus Hospital, and within the healthcare industry as a whole," said Dr. Shea. "I accepted this position because I am fully confident that this Hospital is strongly committed to our patients and the community that we serve. I look forward to working with the various stakeholders in our organization to continue our ability to provide the highest level of care for our patients."

Dr. Shea, of Norwich, will begin his duties as Medical Director and Chairman of Medicine on May 1. Those duties include ensuring that clinical medicine standards are maintained, and that quality, safety, patient satisfaction and utilization issues are top priorities throughout the Hospital. He said a major focus will be ensuring that high quality care is delivered as efficiently as possible, and serving as a bridge between the Medical Staff and Administration.

"Peter Shea is clearly a well-respected physician in the region," said Thomas P. Pipicelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Backus. "His strong relationships with physicians, employees, patients and others in the greater Norwich area will continue to be a great asset to this organization. This is a proud moment for our Hospital, and our community."

During his career, Dr. Shea has served the Hospital in a variety of capacities, including as a member of the Hospital Board of Trustees; Quality Improvement Officer for the Departments of Internal Medicine and Family Practice; Physician Director of Quality Assessment and Improvement Quality Officer; Chairman of the Quality Improvement Committee; Acting Chairman of the Division of Medical Services and his current position, Chairman of the Division of Medical Services.