The Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital Management Committee elected R. Blake Curd, MD, as the new CEO.
"It's a privilege to be considered by such esteemed colleagues to lead this distinguished institution which has been at the forefront of raising the standards for patient-centered care across the country," said Dr. Curd. He succeeds Donald Schellpfeffer, MD, who will be retiring form his duties as CEO at the end of February.
Dr. Curd will transition into his new role over the next several weeks to fully prepare for taking the reigns after Dr. Schellpfeffer retires.
"Blake Curd is an enlightened and gifted leader and surgeon," says Scott Becker, JD, chairman of the McGuireWoods healthcare department.
Here are five things to know about Dr. Curd:
1. Dr. Curd is currently president of Physician Hospitals of America and has served as a guest physician for several speaking engagements. He is also chairman of the board of directors for Surgical Management Professionals.
2. In addition to his medical career and leadership, Dr. Curd is a South Dakota State Senator and will continue his legislative duties in the coming year.
3. He focuses on congenital hand reconstruction, hand surgery, microvascular surgery and upper extremity surgery as well as tissue transfer. He has practiced medicine at Orthopedic Institute for 13 years.
4. Dr. Curd earned his medical degree at the University of Missouri — Kansas City School of Medicine and completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center. His additional training includes a fellowship at Indiana Hand Center.
5. Prior to joining Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Curd served 10 years in the United States Air Force, including a tour of duty in Kuwait and Iraq as the flight surgeon for a combat search.