UAB Medicine tapped Keith A. (Tony) Jones, M.D., as its first chief physician executive (CPE). The position was created as a part of the Organizing for Success (OFS) initiative and is charged with maximizing practice efficiency and productivity, further improving quality and patient safety by promoting integration of the clinical service lines, and developing innovative, value-added care models.Jones says he is excited about the new alignment under OFS.
“With this structure in place, we’re going to have an opportunity to further enhance both our patient experience in receiving care at UAB and the experience of our employees at all levels of the organization,” Jones says. “Once you begin to create a more integrated practice, innovative ideas come to the forefront, because you’re breaking down traditional barriers and making way for more engagement and leadership within the organization by providers.”
In his new role, Jones will have responsibilities with the University Health System (UHS), the UAB School of Medicine (SOM), and the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation (HSF) Board of Directors.
University Health System
Jones will serve as a part of the Joint Operating Leadership Council and the Executive Cabinet, and he will chair the Executive Policy Council. His duties will include:
- Overseeing physician service line leaders and ensuring that service line objectives are met
- Collaborating to develop clinical integrated networks and affiliated physicians or services
- Administrating physician contracting activities within UAB Medicine, including ensuring adherence to compliance standards UAB Medicine
“I discussed Dr. Jones as the CPE with our clinical chairs and senior leaders, and there was universal support for him in this position. He has the right background and skills to be the leader of our practice plan.”
School of Medicine
Jones also will hold the title of senior associate dean for clinical affairs with the SOM and will serve on the Dean’s Leadership Team and SOM Executive Committee. His responsibilities will include:
- Serving as a link between the clinical practice and UAB’s missions in research, education, and community engagement
- Developing multidisciplinary programs and strategic teams that address complex medical conditions within the UAB Medicine faculty practice
- Collaborating with clinical chairs and faculty to optimize opportunities for clinical growth and the development of new programs
Health Services Foundation
Dr. Jones’ will serve as the HSF president and his responsibilities will include:
- Managing the fiscal reserves and balance sheet of the Foundation
- Overseeing the administration of pension, benefits, and clinical compensation
- Working with department chairs to develop access principles that increase our ability to see patients in a timely manner, thus enhancing our mission
Biography
Jones has been the Alfred Habeeb Professor and Chair of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at UAB Medicine for 11 years. He received a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Alabama and his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1986. He completed his residency and subspecialty training in neuroanesthesia at Mayo Clinic, where he served as a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology until 2006. An avid exerciser and hiker, he strives for an outdoor excursion at least once per week.
Jones will continue to serve as chair of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine until an interim chair can be named.