VGH today announced the appointment of its senior management team led by Dr. Armin Ernst M.D, M.H.C.M. as Chief Executive Officer.

Dr Ernst, is a Harvard-trained and globally-renowned pulmonologist with seven textbooks and over 200 manuscripts to his credit. He obtained his healthcare management degree from Harvard University and, before joining Vitals Global Healthcare, held clinical and administrative leadership roles in major academic medical centers, large integrated hospital based systems, and ambulatory care settings in the United States.

Dr Ernst will lead the team of professionals who will see VGH Karin Grech Hospital, VGH St Luke’s Hospital, and VGH Gozo General Hospital transformed into world class medical facilities providing more beds, services, and programs to the local public.

Assisting Dr. Ernst as Chief Operating Officer is Mr Eric Buehrens. Mr. Buehrens joined the healthcare industry over 20 years ago, following a prolific career in industry in the United States. After serving as Deputy Provost for Administration at Harvard Medical School, he took on several leadership roles at a major Harvard Medical School teaching hospital and within other healthcare systems. He has placed particular focus on taking a structured approach to quality improvement in operations.

Mr. Mark Lisher joins VGH as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lisher is a highly experienced finance professional with over 25 years’ experience. He has occupied a number of Director and CFO positions in contracting, program management and finance in various sectors and industries. Mr. Lisher has worked in healthcare environments for the last 14 years, in a variety of positions within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. He is a qualified accountant and has a Master’s Degree in Management (Msc Management) from the University of South Wales.

Dr. Nadine Delicata and Dr. Stephen Zammit will remain CEOs of Gozo General Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital Karin Grech respectively, however will now form part of the VGH hospital management team.

Mr. Micky Singh joins VGH as Chief Information Officer, Ms. Mina Popova joins VGH as Head of Quality and Risk, Mr. John Bezzina as Head of Human Resources, and Ms. Alessandra Pace as Head of Communications and Marketing.

Dr. Ernst explained that, “Our aim is to deliver comprehensive, high quality services to communities in Malta and Gozo, with excellence, compassion and competence. We do not believe in one for all plans, yet believe health care should be personal, innovative and patient - centered. I am confident that together with my team, we can see our vision through in a way that adds value to Malta and Gozo. The medical industry in Malta is blessed with many dedicated professionals and we are lucky to have them on-board as part of the team. I am looking forward to creating an environment where employees can thrive and grow further , and where patients can receive the highest levels of care possible.”