Jeff Bahr, MD

The MHCDS program at Dartmouth presented a differentiated and convenient way for me to both close some personal knowledge gaps that have been exposed by changes in the healthcare industry and also ensure that I remain up to date in my approach to leading others through this extremely complex sector of business.

I am the Chief Physician Executive for the Midwest Region of Advocate Health. In this role, I lead our employed medical group of 4,000 physicians and 2,200 advanced practice clinicians across Illinois and Wisconsin and am accountable for clinical safety, health outcomes, patient experience, clinician engagement, growth, access and workforce planning. This involves managing our clinical service lines, chief medical officers, and our relationships with the aligned and independent practices with whom we partner. I’m a board certified general internist and still derive a great deal of satisfaction from managing a small patient panel of my own.

Without the ongoing support of my wife, Sarah, and sons, Josh and Evan, none of this would be remotely possible. I live for our family ski trips - even though I’m now the least skilled and most frequently injured member of our group! You can also catch me in the back yard on patrol with my two miniature schnauzers.

Why did you decide to take the MHCDS program? 

I’ve long known that leadership and managerial skills require regular maintenance and updating. The MHCDS program at Dartmouth presented a differentiated and convenient way for me to both close some personal knowledge gaps that have been exposed by changes in the healthcare industry and also ensure that I remain up to date in my approach to leading others through this extremely complex sector of business. 

Has your job changed since starting the program?

My title has changed from Chief Medical Group Officer to Chief Physician Executive in one of two large multi-state regions in our organization. While I still lead our large employed medical group in our Midwest Region, I also lead or co-lead a few enterprise-wide committees in our rapidly integrating organization. Also, since starting the program, I have been named chair-elect of the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s board of directors in 2024.

How have you used the MHCDS experience/skills/knowledge you have gained so far?

I have far greater fluency in certain tasks such as our budgeting processes or strategic planning. This, in turn, has made me a more functional member of the various work teams of which I’m a member.

What has been the best part of the program for you – so far? 

The new knowledge gained – either through our didactic sessions or by listening to the experiences of my classmates and new friends – has been immediately applicable to my work life outside of the program. My organization went through a significant merger less than a year before I started the program, so as our new organization is experiencing change (for the better), so am I.