by Kelsey Herbers
To support Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s growing footprint in Nashville’s surrounding regions, VUMC has appointed three physicians to direct medical care in Wilson, Rutherford, Williamson and Maury counties.
These positions will lead operational performance and strategic development for clinical practice as it relates to Vanderbilt Medical Group (VMG) in their respective counties and will report to Paul Sternberg Jr., MD, Chief Medical Officer for VMG.
Adam Huggins, MD, MMHC, assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at VUMC, has been appointed Associate Chief Medical Officer for Wilson County, including Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH). He succeeds Henry (Hank) Russell, MD, associate professor of Clinical Surgery, who led physician staffing through VUMC’s acquisition of VWCH and has subsequently served the hospital in this role.
Murali Kolli, MD, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, has been appointed Associate Chief Medical Officer for Rutherford County. Kolli currently practices at the Vanderbilt Heart location in Murfreesboro.
John Scott, MD, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, has been promoted to Associate Chief Medical Officer of Williamson and Maury counties. Scott practices at VMG’s Franklin location and has served as Assistant Chief Medical Officer for the region since 2016.
All three roles will collaborate with departments, regional administration and ambulatory medical staff with the goal of continuous quality improvement and implementation of VUMC’s regional strategy. Each position will serve as a liaison between the medical providers and facilities and the community.
“I am thrilled to have this cohort of talented and engaged leaders to partner with me and VUMC leadership as we expand our footprint,” said Sternberg. “Drs. Huggins, Kolli and Scott will be invaluable in promoting clinical excellence for Vanderbilt Medical Group at our existing regional practice sites and in our evolving regional presence.”
Huggins joined the VUMC faculty in 2013 after four years of working in private practice in Nashville. He serves as director of Outpatient Quality for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has helped expand its use of telemedicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and holds a Master of Management in Health Care degree from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management.
Kolli joined VUMC in 2009 and serves as assistant medical director of Outpatient Services at Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute (VHVI). He was instrumental in piloting a same-day access program for patients with urgent needs at the VHVI office in Murfreesboro and establishing it as a practice initiative for VHVI. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Louisville.
Scott joined the VUMC faculty in 2001 and has spent 18 years practicing in Williamson County. He earned his medical degree and completed his residency training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.
All three physicians will continue to see patients in their new roles.
The associate chief medical officers work closely with Wendy Monaci, MBA, vice president of Regional Operations outside of Davidson County. In addition to overseeing all adult ambulatory operations outside of Davidson County, Monaci guides strategic planning of future ambulatory practices. She also directs and integrates the various functions of ambulatory services into the overall organization.
