Adventist HealthCare and Howard University have named Dr Roger A Mitchell, Jr, as the incoming president of Howard University Hospital.

This appointment is part of the existing management service agreement between the two entities, which are also in discussions for a long-term partnership.

Mitchell will assume his new role following the departure of current president Anita Jenkins on 13 September.

Currently, Mitchell is serving as chief medical officer (CMO) for the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan and will resign from this position before taking up the presidency.

He will also take a leave of absence from his tenured post as a Pathology professor at the Howard University College of Medicine.

In his role as CMO, Mitchell has been instrumental in overseeing practice development and operations, as well as in the management service agreement for the hospital.

Mitchell is also the University's director for the Center of Excellence for Trauma and Violence Prevention, where he leads initiatives related to minimising gun violence across the District of Columbia.

He also chairs the Howard University Hospital’s Performance Improvement Committee.

Mitchell's contributions to the Howard University community are extensive, including his role as the University's Covid-19 Testing Laboratory director.

His prior experience with the District of Columbia government includes his service for seven years in various capacities, such as chief medical examiner and interim Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice. 

These positions equipped Mitchell with a broad understanding of emergency healthcare services, which was particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic response.

Adventist HealthCare CEO and president John Sackett said: “Dr Mitchell will provide the guidance needed to provide high-quality care for the DC community, attract the best physicians in the nation to support comprehensive healing and ensure a superior learning environment for medical students and residents.”

Howard University president Ben Vinson III added: “Mitchell's extensive medical and public health experience, as well as his understanding of the needs of the DC community, will inform his leadership so that Howard University Hospital continues to advance initiatives to support the best health outcomes.”