(DANBURY, CT) - As a longtime community physician who has always put the needs of patients first, John Murphy, MD, never imagined he would make history as the first physician to serve as president and chief executive officer of Danbury Hospital.

Turns out it's the perfect spot for a physician who has played an integral role in the organization's transformation from a community hospital to a regional medical facility with a national reputation for clinical excellence, patient safety and customer service.

"I'm still committed to serving patients, but I'm doing it in a broader context by working to provide high quality medical care to the entire community," said Dr. Murphy, who assumed the new post on July 1, 2010.
Among his many goals, Dr. Murphy intends to support Danbury Hospital's evolution to a regional institution by "pushing the intellectual frontiers" through research and medical education efforts that will set the hospital apart from others on a state and national level.

"Our mission is to advance the health and well-being of the community in partnership with those who we serve," he said. "It's the driving force behind everything we do."

Innate leader brings special skills
"As a community physician who has held numerous leadership positions at the hospital, Dr. Murphy brings a unique set of skills and experiences to his new role as president and chief executive officer," said John Martocci, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Dr. Murphy has the vision and the passion needed to guide the organization through the many challenges that lie ahead without ever compromising the high level of care that patients and the community have come to expect from Danbury Hospital."

Hospital faces important crossroads

Dr. Murphy is taking the helm at a historic time for the organization. Danbury Hospital recently announced plans to establish a regional health care system by affiliating with New Milford Hospital. Next spring, the hospital hopes to break ground on its largest construction project ever - a proposed tower that will offer patients state-of-the-art care in a more private, family-friendly setting. This spring, the Danbury Hospital Biomedical Research Center opened with a team of internationally renowned cancer researchers. Meantime, the hospital's medical education program expanded with the addition of a new surgical residency program.

"The accomplishments over the past year demonstrate the enormous competencies of the individuals who work here," said Dr. Murphy. "They are talented, hard working professionals."

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