August 14, 2018

August 2, 2018

I am saddened to inform you that J. Michael Smith, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery and director of robotic surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital, has informed me of his decision to resign his positions with TriHealth and step away from surgery, effective December 31. Dr. Smith described the reasons as both complex and simple, but in the end he and his family believe it is necessary to take time to focus on his health and to support his family. And he has shared he does not intend to move to a surgical position at another hospital.

As most of you know, Dr. Smith has been instrumental in building cardiothoracic surgery and robotic surgery at Good Samaritan and Bethesda North into highly respected and widely recognized programs. The team of surgeons – Dr. Loren Hiratzka, Dr. Eric Okum, Dr. Steven Park and Dr. Kathryn O’Keefe – with leadership and support from Dr. Smith has created a clinically integrated and consistent approach at both hospitals while focusing on advanced, complex robotics at Good Sam. 

We have been in the process of recruiting additional cardiovascular surgeons to support our growing program, and now we are launching a search to find a cardiac surgeon of national stature who can help to lead our program into the next phase of growth and development. And, we are encouraged and grateful that Dr. Smith’s national reputation and esteem within the medical community coupled with the strength of TriHealth will be important factors in attracting exceptional candidates.

I also want to emphasize that we remain strongly committed to continuing – and, in fact, building on – the strength and clinical excellence of our cardiothoracic surgery programs at Good Samaritan and Bethesda North. People who entrust their care to our skilled cardiothoracic surgeons and clinical teams have come to depend on it. I am grateful for the leadership of Stephen Lewis, MD, our system chief for the cardiovascular services, and Dr. Hiratzka, medical director of cardiac surgery for Bethesda North Hospital and Quality Leader for the TriHealth Heart Institute, along with the support of our exceptional cardiac surgeons.

In the meantime, we should focus our thoughts on Dr. Smith. For his years of service to TriHealth, for his legacy of clinical excellence, and for the thousands of patients who have benefitted from his caring expertise, Dr. Smith deserves our deep gratitude and support through this transition. I would ask that you keep Dr. Smith and his family in your prayers and respect his privacy as he moves forward.

Please know that Dr. Lewis, Dr. Hiratzka and I will keep you apprised of our recruitment efforts as we move forward. 

Mark C. Clement