Nari Heshmati, MD, former executive medical director for Optum Washington, has joined Fort Myers, Fla.-based Lee Health's Physician Group as chief physician executive, Dr. Heshmati shared with Becker's. 

Here are 15 physician leaders that have announced plans to retire or entered retirement in 2024, as reported by Becker's since Jan. 29:

Carla Braxton, MD, was named as director of physician professional development at the Houston Methodist Physician Organization.

A team at the University of Illinois (Champaign) is developing a series of virtual reality training modules  designed to improve cultural competency between physicians and patients, according to a July 22 report from WCIA.com

Former Tappahannock, Va., clinic founder and physician James Joseph Ledwith Jr., MD, died July 9 from complications following a bicycle accident on June 19, River County News reported. He was 66.

Among the biggest challenges facing physician-owned practices today include the rising cost of operations and the imminent threat of consolidation. 

Jose Romano, MD, is the new chair of the department of neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 

Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai has appointed Peter Slavin, MD, the former president at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, as its CEO and president. 

Cleveland-based University Hospitals has named Judith Wolfe, MD, chief medical officer of its St. John Medical Center.

Paramus, N.J.-based Valley Health System appointed K. Nadeem Ahmed, MD, as its chief medical information officer. 

Physicians of today wear many hats in a job that has become increasingly complex and rigorous, and according to Jennifer Berliner, MD, director of physician well-being at Pittsburgh-based UPMC, adaptability is an essential skill to keep up with the continuously shifting landscape of healthcare.

Bobby Mukkamala, MD, an otolaryngologist from Flint, Mich., who was recently named president-elect of the American Medical Association, joined Becker's to discuss the importance of physician leadership and his vision as an AMA leader.  

From focusing on collaboration to an evolving healthcare workforce, seven physicians joined Becker's to discuss what new physicians need to know.

Here are 10 key notes on physician- and hospital-owned settings for pay, autonomy and employment numbers:

Bobby Mukkamala, MD, an otolaryngologist from Flint, Mich., has been named president-elect of the American Medical Association. 

Deena Casiero, MD, was named chief medical officer of the NCAA.

Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System is facing kickback scheme allegations from two former executives. 

Ana Davitt, MD, was appointed vice president and chief medical officer of Tower Health's Phoenixville and Pottstown Hospitals, both in Pennsylvania.

Forty percent of hospitals are severely impacted by physician shortages, according to Doximity's 2024 "Physician Compensation Report."

Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai appointed Heitham Hassoun, MD, as chief executive of its international division.