Chief Medical Officer & Incident Commander, Davis Health System
Photo by Brent Kepner/Foto 1 Pro Photo.
By Brittany McClung
Dr. Catherine “Mindy” Chua once felt she had to change the way she dressed and approached situations in order to have a seat at the table as a female executive. With honesty, integrity and teamwork at the core of her values, she has found that staying true to herself is tantamount to her being an effective leader. Chua is the current chief medical officer (CMO) and incident commander for Davis Health System and hopes to be remembered as a fair person who is unafraid of challenges.
A native of Texas, Chua received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emory University in 1994. She then went on to attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Following her graduation in 2001, Chua completed her residency in family medicine at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, graduating in 2004.
Chua has continued to expand her knowledge since completing medical school. She attended the American Medical Group Association/American Hospital Association fellowship in population health and the intermountain advanced training program in health care quality. Chua completed a fellowship through the Metabolic Medical Institute in functional and nutritional medicine as well as the Certified Physician Executive curriculum through the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL). Currently, she is enrolled in a master’s degree program in population health at Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA.
In her current role as CMO, Chua oversees outpatient clinics, the emergency department and quality and risk for the health system. She serves as the liaison between the clinical staff and administration by bringing a clinician’s voice to the senior team table.
Aside from her position as CMO, Chua was elected as incident commander for the COVID-19 response in March 2020 and continues to serve in this role. While working with the Davis Health System, Chua has learned to be a better leader.
“I have learned that I am overwhelmingly passionate about improving health care to meet the quadruple aim of improved quality, reduced cost, improved patient experience and improved provider experience,” says Chua.
Before her career with Davis Health System, Chua went into private practice with her husband for 10 years. During this time, she learned how to hustle. Both Chua and her husband were working inpatient, outpatient and side gigs such as wound care in order to make ends meet.
“Staying afloat in medicine is a difficult job, and it made me appreciate the work it takes to have a positive margin in medicine,” says Chua, who believes these experiences led to her becoming a better doctor and a better leader.
Chua has been the recipient of many awards and accolades but says earning the ACO Population Health Pioneer Award for Outstanding Physician Leadership presented by Caravan Health and the community COVID-19 hero award from the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce mean the most to her.
“It was such an honor to be noticed for the achievements that our organization has made in the field of population health,” says Chua. “To be recognized locally for contributions made during the pandemic, however, is equally humbling and wonderful. It is an honor to serve this amazing community, and it was a great honor to be recognized.”
Chua currently spends time working in the community as an AAPL community ambassador and mentor. She has served on the board of directors for Interact Children’s Museum, YMCA and Seneca Soccer. Chua has also spent time as a soccer coach, Girl Scout leader and catechism teacher.
“When it comes to population health, working for the people of rural Appalachia is my passion,” says Chua.
Despite growing up in southwest Texas, Chua says her parents raised her with a West Virginia mentality, as her father was born and raised in Galloway, WV. Her husband is also a West Virginia native whom she met in college.
“His love of the state combined with the love I’ve experienced over the years from my father’s family only added to my desire to be here,” says Chua. “I love the hills, and I honestly never want to live anywhere else. I enjoy being close to family, I enjoy the attitude of the people who live here, and I will always be proud to call myself a Mountaineer. The day I decided to move to the Mountain State for good, I felt like I was truly coming home, and I have never wanted to leave.”
Providing Care During COVID-19
Staffing shortages, financial strain and the lack of ability to meet patient needs are just a few of the obstacles the Davis Health System has faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Catherine Chua, who serves as the chief medical officer, was elected as incident commander in March 2020 to organize and lead the organization in response to the pandemic. Amongst other challenges, the health system continued to see turnover due to provider and staff fatigue as well as financial strain caused by the longer length of stay, locum coverage for staff being out with COVID-19, closing of outpatient services and more.
“COVID has been a challenge. I believe the hardest thing for me has been the struggle to overcome misinformation and the subsequent division in our communities. Never in my career have I felt so powerless to make a difference despite all our best efforts as a medical community,” says Chua.
With the help of her team, Chua has been able to make sure the hospital is able to keep up with demand and continue to provide quality care to patients.
“Our team has been able to set up alternative screening units at four of our clinics, maintain low staffing to patient ratios and maintain good quality care. For the community, we worked with local community resources and were able to set up large vaccination clinics that vaccinated up to 1,000 people a day beginning in 2021,” says Chua. “They continue to navigate the pandemic day by day as new information is presented.”
2 Comments
Very impressive! I liked your being my doctor & I’ve not been able to replace you! Best of luck to you in all & anything do.
Cudos to you! I continue to be impressed with the work you’ve accomplished!