Hospital Welcomes New Chief Information Officer

North Kansas City Hospital is pleased to welcome new Vice President, Chief Information Officer Doug Abel. In his new role, Abel will develop system-wide strategic Information Technology initiatives to support a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services delivered by NKCH.

"Information technology is integral to the effective operation of a health care organization," said Peggy Schmitt, President and Chief Executive Officer of North Kansas City Hospital, "and having someone with Doug's knowledge and experience is invaluable to NKCH and the community we serve."

Abel has more than 30 years of experience working in healthcare information systems management. Previous roles include Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Anne Arundel Health System in Annapolis, MD where he was responsible for all Information Technology activities, including software applications, telecommunications, healthcare information systems management and biomedical engineering, as well as all supply chain functions and emergency management planning and response. He was also Vice President at Cerner Corporation, where he led a large-scale consulting organization that deployed healthcare automation resulting in clinical transformation at academic medical centers, integrated delivery networks (IDNs) and community hospitals.

Abel is a graduate of Elizabethtown College and has a Master of Business Administration from Loyola College in Maryland, graduating with honors. He served on the board of directors of the Maryland Chapter of Healthcare Information Management Systems Society and as a member of College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, serving on its Advocacy Leadership Committee.

About North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health

For more than half a century, North Kansas City Hospital has been the Northland’s preferred healthcare provider. The hospital serves the community with 451 licensed beds, more than 3,000 employees, and 520 physicians representing 46 medical specialties. From a Level III neonatal intensive care unit to home health and hospice services, NKCH provides a lifetime of care.

NKCH offers award-winning cardiovascular and orthopedic programs and advanced cancer treatment options, including world-class care through a partnership with The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Through its Meritas Health, opens new tab subsidiary, North Kansas City Hospital offers the largest network of physician practices in the Northland, with more than 140 physicians and 30 advanced practitioners, opens new tab in 30 convenient locations, opens new tab, including express care clinics, opens new tab in the Liberty, Gladstone and 64th Street Hy-Vee stores.

The hospital’s mission, vision and values reflect a strong commitment to the health and well-being of the Northland community and beyond. Last year, NKCH sponsored 60 charitable and community organizations and served more than 24,000 people through its dynamic Community Health & Wellness programs. And, it recently became the first hospital in Kansas City to offer a zero-percent financing option to help patients manage their medical expenses.