New CEO announced for AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach

AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach announced today that Dr. Dennis Hernandez will serve as CEO of the 112-bed hospital.

Board certified in both general pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine, Hernandez most recently served as chief medical officer at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, overseeing the functions related to physicians and patient care, as well as credentialing, compliance with accrediting bodies, patient satisfaction, infection control and other quality of care measures.

His prior experience also includes serving as chief of staff and medical director at AdventHealth for Children, as well as medical director for Florida Emergency Physicians of TeamHealth, one of the largest integrated care providers in the country. He also served for six years as President/CEO of a three-site emergency medicine group that cared for approximately 200,000 visits per year.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Hernandez leading AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. He is one of the top experts in pediatric emergency medicine and his knowledge and expertise as a clinician will be a tremendous asset to our team and the community we serve," said David Ottati, CEO of AdventHealth's Central Florida Division – North Region, which encompasses facilities in Volusia, Flagler and Lake counties. "As a clinical company, we want to continuously enhance care delivery. As we build on the strides we've made over the years, I am confident that under Dr. Hernandez's leadership, we will continue on a path that fosters and advances a culture of high-quality, patient-centered, compassionate care."

Hernandez earned a medical degree from the Montemorelos University School of Medicine in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, which is affiliated with Loma Linda University. He completed a pediatric residency at All Children's Hospital and a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at Tampa General Hospital. He also earned a master's degree in business administration from Western Governors University.

Hernandez has served on numerous hospital, state and national committees. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and American College of Physician Executives, and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

"I am privileged and honored to have such an amazing opportunity to lead AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach," said Hernandez. "I look forward to continuing to work with the caregivers and team members at our hospital as we advance our mission in the community by providing an exceptional whole-person care experience for those we serve."