Leadership

George Williams joined the Methodist Health System of Dallas, Texas in January 2016 as the President of the Methodist Medical Group and Senior Vice President for Physician Services. Methodist Medical Group is the multi-specialty medical group affiliated with Methodist Health System and has over 240 medical providers, more than doubling in size since his arrival. He is also the president of the health system’s Accountable Care Organization.

Dr. Williams was previously employed by the MultiCare Healthcare System in Tacoma, Washington where he was the senior physician executive providing operational, clinical, and strategic leadership for MultiCare’s Neuroscience, Surgery, Cancer, Women’s Health, and Cardiovascular Carelines. Prior to 2011, Dr. Williams was an emergency physician practicing at Trinity Health hospitals in southeast Michigan. His leadership activities during this time period include being appointed to the Board of Emergency Physicians Medical Group and serving as Chief of Staff at St. Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital.

George also served in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps. His educational accomplishments include attending Baylor University, obtaining a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, and completing emergency medicine residency training at the University of Michigan. In 2010, Dr. Williams earned a Masters of Medical Management (MMM) degree from the University of Southern California.

Maria Valdez-Pouwels, CPA, is a healthcare executive with more than 20 years of healthcare operational and financial experience. Maria’s finance and operational leadership have resulted in her attracting and holding key positions for multi-state healthcare companies which include Vice President of Physician Operations and Physician Group CFO. Maria has also served as a consultant for the nation’s premier healthcare management consulting firm and has served as an independent consultant for various organizations. Maria’s background in physician alignment and regulatory healthcare compliance, has assisted corporate executives and physician leadership in the implementation of their physician employment strategy. With a wealth of financial and operational health care knowledge and experience, Maria understands both the finance and operations that drives and impacts the performance critical to the success of a healthcare organization and what needs to be done to assist the organization, their leaders, providers and staff to work together effectively to respond to these and other challenges. Her passion is helping health care organizations and their leaders manage with quality and compliance while improving their bottom line.

Stephanie Sturgin, MHA, has more than 20 years of healthcare administration experience. She obtained her Bachelor degree from Texas A & M University and her Masters’ of Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Prior to joining Methodist Medical Group, Stephanie worked through many levels of administration from managing large private practices to directing operations for a multispecialty practices of more than 400 providers. Most recently, she was the Director of Operations for the Continental Division of HCA Physician Services Group in Denver, Colorado and Wichita, Kansas, Markets. Stephanie believes strongly in the virtue of servant leadership, and sees her role as vice president of operations for Methodist Medical Group as one that removes barriers to success. Stephanie has been married to her husband, Chamberlain, since 2002, and they are the parents of one son, Liam.

Jae Schmidt, MBA, comes to MMG from HCA Healthcare/Medical City Healthcare where he served as the director of development for HCA North Texas’ Physician Services Group, and previously as the vice president of Neurosciences, Orthopedics, and Rehabilitation Services across HCA’s 10 hospital system including 4 comprehensive and 6 primary stroke centers. Under his leadership the medical group tripled in size across numerous key programs including neurosciences, orthopedics, cardiology, transplant and women’s services.

Before his recruitment to HCA North Texas, Jae worked at Emory University School of Medicine from 1998-2013 and was accountable for the operations and financial performance for several progressively larger departments culminating in the executive leadership of the Department of Neurosurgery and Emory’s MBNA Stroke Center – a program consistently ranked among the top-20 in the United States.

While in Atlanta he also started a European bicycle import business that was highlighted by CNN, WSJ, and was included in Atlanta Magazine’s annual “Best of Atlanta” awards.

Jae earned his bachelor’s degree from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD and his MBA from Emory University in Atlanta, GA.

Michael Marshall, MD, was named Chief Medical Officer of Methodist Medical Group, on April 1, 2017, after serving as Medical Director of Methodist Medical Group since 2010. As CMO, he oversees the clinical enterprise of more than 50 practices, and more than 200 providers. In conjunction with his role of CMO, he serves on the medical group’s Board of Directors, and Chairs the Quality Committee.

Dr. Marshall is passionate about improving the care MMG provides through the use of the medical group’s integrated medical record, and he has been instrumental in successfully leading several quality initiatives including the implementation of Advanced Cara Planning with our Medicare patients and increasing screening rates for breast and colon cancer.

Dr. Marshall is double boarded in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and in addition to his executive role within the medical group, continues to serve patients in the Cedar Hill Area, where he has practiced medicine since 2000 as part of Methodist Medical Group.

Dr. Marshall earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and completed his residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals. Along with to his leadership roles within Methodist Health System, Dr. Marshall also serves as the Local Health Authority for the City of Cedar Hill and provides medical support to the Cedar Hill Independent School District and Boy Scout Troup 520.

Brian D. Jones, MD, CPE, FAAFP, is the Chief Medical Officer for the Methodist Patient Centered Accountable Care Organization (MPCACO) and the Vice President of Value Based Care for Methodist Health System in Dallas, Texas. He leads the system and provider engagement strategies that contribute to the ongoing success of the MPCACO and is driving the Managed Medicare Strategy for the medical group. He implemented the medical group’s referral network management department and developed its population health management capabilities while also contributing to the efforts in Quality and Patient Experience.

A core focus of the MPCACO during his tenure has been developing and growing a cohesive and aligned network of ACO members to support the Methodist Health System within North Texas. The Network is currently 700 physicians strong and has achieved year over year improvement in system alignment and strategic growth.

Dr. Jones is a longstanding executive contributor to the Methodist Medical Group Board of Directors and currently serves on the System Quality Review Committee of the Board. In addition he serves on the Texas Association of Family Physicians Board of Directors, The Catalyst Health Network Regional Operating Committee and various Methodist committees dedicated to advancing the mission of MHS.

Dr. Jones continues to see patients one day a week in his busy Cedar Hill practice where he has been since the start of his career.

Tracy Giacoma has been with Methodist Health System form more than 15 years, and is currently the vice president of Transplant Services. Her career spans more than 35 years in the field of transplantation, which includes 27 years of administration of multi-organ programs at pediatric and adult hospitals, and 11 years in executive leadership roles for transplant multi-specialty physician practices.

In addition to Methodist Health System, Tracy has worked for transplant programs at leading organizations such as Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University, Methodist Hospital of Indiana Health, the University of Kansas, and she has consulted for Transplant Management Group.

Tracy was the 2015 Fourth Recipient of the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS), National Heckenkemper Transplant Administration Award, recognizing lifetime achievement and her impact on the field of transplantation.

Paulita Barron joined Methodist Medical Group in 2008, and currently serves as Director of Operations. With more than 20 years of experience in health care administration, Paulita oversees MMG virtual programs, a neurology practice, primary care and urgent care facilities. During her tenure with the medical group, Paulita has successfully lead the initiative to acquire a contract with DART to serve as their preferred primary care provider in Dallas, and has been instrumental in managing the medical group’s partnership with multiple municipalities on several projects, including expanding the ISD diabetes education programs to Midlothian and Richardson.

Throughout her long-standing history with MMG, Paulita has served as a liaison and oversaw the accounts payable program for a patient centered medical home for Methodist employees, and co-managed and opened two offices in South Arlington and Mansfield. Her drive for innovation and growth allowed her to pioneer the first MMG diabetes education program in Mansfield ISD, and serve as the first regional manager for the medical group. She also helped spearhead MMG’s very first ambulatory center, Methodist Convenient Care Campus, complete with an urgent care on the first floor, primary care on the second floor, and a multi-specialty center on the third floor.

Paulita graduated from Northwood University with a BBA in Management. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering at Mission Arlington, traveling, trying new restaurants, and watching movies with her family.

Nishu Wadhawan has served as the Director of Operations for Methodist Medical Group (MMG) since 2015. She is responsible for overseeing the Orthopedic and Sports and Medicine service line, acting as an operation lead for physician acquisitions and spearheading the on-boarding process for new physicians. Nishu began her tenure with MMG as the Director of Operations with a portfolio that covered general surgery, ENT, and gastroenterology departments. Since then, she has also been instrumental in helping expanded both the cardiology and orthopedic departments and managed the on-boarding process for the neurology department at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center.

Prior to her experience at MMG, Nishu worked as the Chief Operating Officer for an oncology group, and focused on building a joint venture medical center with both radiation oncology and medical oncology services. Nishu then moved on to manage and oversee strategic planning for the Department of Anesthesia at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

At the start of her career, Nishu originally trained to be a physician, earning her medical degree at BJ Medical College in India and completing her post-grad work in Hospital and Health Care Management at Indira Gandhi National Open University, IGNOU. After completing her education, Nishu quickly realized that she preferred strategic planning within the health care industry, rather than direct patient care. Nishu went on to earn her MBA, with a concentration in healthcare, from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her medical education combined with her business management experience makes Nishu an excellent bridge builder between physicians, patients, and the expansion of the MMG program at large.

Outside of work, Nishu enjoys spending time with her two kids, traveling, and learning all types of new adventure sports. She has a long bucket list of adventures to conquer one day, including sky diving and scuba diving. Her favorite experience so far has been power gliding!

Sarah Reynolds currently serves as the Director of Operations for Methodist Medical Group (MMG), overseeing primary care practices, as well as a major service line practice for Methodist Health System, Methodist Brain and Spine Institute. Sarah’s journey in the health care industry began when she was just 15 years old learning how to code and process billing for her primary care doctor during summer breaks and after school. After completing several years in the billing and collections department, Sarah earned her certificate in paramedicine and served as a paramedic for 10 years. It was during this time she was able to utilize her expertise in direct patient care, upper management, and hospital administration to simultaneously serve as both a paramedic and the Director of Billing at CareFlite. In 2008, Sarah became the Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance for an EMS billing company, Emergicon.

In 2011, Sarah joined Methodist Medical Group, and became the office manager for Methodist Family Health Center in Midlothian. As she excelled in her role, her duties expanded and she added Methodist Family Health Center-Waxahachie and the Midlothian ISD clinic to her charge. In 2019, Sarah became a Practice Administrator for the medical group, and the first person at MMG to earn the prestigious Partners in Excellence Award from the Methodist Health System program. Sarah has participated in many leadership intensive training opportunities provided by Methodist Health System and is a proud graduate of the inaugural Methodist Elevate Leadership Development program.

Sarah has deep roots in the Midlothian community after living there for more than 20 years. In addition to living and working in this area, Sarah has served her community through mentoring young people in school organizations and church, and has also participated in the Chamber of Commerce’s Midlothian Leadership Program. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys walking trails in the mountains of Colorado with her husband of almost 30 years Kevin. She also enjoys spending time with her children Ryan & wife Erin, Katie and Brendan, granddaughter Ansleigh, and her golden retriever, Captain.

Robert joined Methodist Medical Group in August of 2017 as Director of Operations. In this role, he is responsible for the growth and profitability of multiple group practices. During his time with Methodist Medical Group, he has successfully launched two primary care clinics and two cardiovascular clinics, overseen the addition and onboarding of 15 providers to the medical group, and led the implementation of MyChart direct scheduling.

Robert obtained his bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington, and a masters of Business Administration from Baylor University. Prior to joining Methodist Medical Group, he served eight years in the US Navy, starting out as a lead surgical technologist and advancing to practice administrator. Robert has been married to his wife, Shay, since 2006, and they are the proud parents of two girls Ariana and Lauren.

Memphis native, Tiffanie Johnson, joined Methodist Medical Group, MMG, in 2019 as the Regional Director of Operations. Tiffanie oversees the day-to-day operations of trauma surgery, general surgery, gastroenterology, rheumatology, ENT, and colon & rectal clinics. She is also focused on expanding the specialty services offered with the medical group and recruiting highly-specialized physicians. Under her leadership, a rheumatologist, a gastroenterologist, two general surgeons, and three physician assistants have joined MMG. In the spring of 2021, Tiffanie partnered with key stakeholders to add rheumatology as a new service offering provided to patients in the Dallas service area.

After a life altering experience with a family member in a health crisis, Tiffanie decided to change her career path from sales and account management to a career that was more rewarding and held more meaning and purpose for her life. Following her career change to the healthcare industry, Tiffanie worked and held leadership roles for a hospitalist group, a physician practice group, and hospital operations. During her time in hospital operations, Tiffanie oversaw and the management of 10 support service departments’ transition to a new facility, all while maintaining current operations.

Tiffanie is a proud alumni of Prairie View A&M University, and earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Memphis. Outside of work, Tiffanie enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Davis has spent the past 11 years working for hospitals and health systems in the great state of Missouri. Most recently, she worked for a small, rural hospital in Houston, MO, as a key member of the hospital’s executive leadership team. Prior to that, she spent more than eight years with Mercy Health System, Joplin, MO, where she progressively moved up in responsibility from practice manager to executive director. With Mercy Health System, Ms. Davis managed multi-million dollar operating budgets spread throughout several different clinic locations that included 43 providers, one operations manager, and 15 practice managers. While working for Mercy she was selected to be a part of the executive MHA program through Missouri State University, a cohort composed of executive leaders and physicians from across the Mercy Health System.

On May 22, 2011, a very large and destructive EF5 tornado destroyed the hospital, clinic building, and a huge portion of the community. Ms. Davis drew from her administrative skills to help coordinate several clinic moves following the tornado including planning and implementing the final moves into the new clinic tower after the new hospital was built. During the disaster recovery and transition period, Ms. Davis was able to help many of the hospital service lines flourish despite the struggles they faced as an organization.

Although Ms. Davis comes to Methodist from Missouri, she is thrilled to move back to Texas where she first lived with her husband when they were newlywed. They now have three children, Callie, Tucker, and Marlee. Most of her spare time is currently spent cheering for her kids at the ballfield. When she isn’t doing that, she loves riding horses, gardening, running, and cooking for her family.

Ruth Barclay joined Methodist Medical Group in 2014 as marketing manager. At that time, she managed the marketing for eight primary care locations, and helped launch the first two specialty practices that were just joining the medical group. Since that time, she has been promoted to marketing director and helped the medical group grow to 26 primary care locations and 24 specialty practices. Ruth was instrumental in launching niche services such as concierge medicine and sports medicine, as well as managing the marketing onboarding for larger service lines like Orthopedics and Neurosurgery.

Ruth oversees marketing, digital strategy, websites, community relations, and online listings and reputation management for more than 225 providers. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts University, and has more than 25 years’ experience in healthcare marketing working for large healthcare systems such as Cook Children’s Health System, and M.D. Anderson, as well as managing healthcare clients from the agency side. Ruth has been married to her husband Todd since 2000, and they are proud parents of two children Kate and Kieffer.

Tim joined Methodist Medical Group in September of 2017 as Director of Finance. He is responsible for overseeing the Accounting and Finance department, financial analysis, physician compensation, financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting. During his time with Methodist Medical Group, he has successfully automated and streamlined the Accounting close process and help create the reporting on the physician compensation. Prior to joining Methodist Medical Group, Tim was a Finance Manager with Texas Health Physician Group for 5 years and an Assistant Controller with MedicalEdge Healthcare Group for 12 years. Tim earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from The University of Texas at Dallas.

Scott Harris joined Methodist Medical Group in April 2020 as the Director of Virtual Care. He obtained his Bachelor or Arts in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and a masters of Business Administration specializing in healthcare administration from the University of Alabama Birmingham. Prior to joining Methodist Medical Group, he led several virtual care expansion and growth initiatives. He also helped develop, implement and build a multi-faceted comprehensive telemedicine program for CHISTUS Health. His cumulative experience allows him to engage process owners through hands-on support and guidance to unleash innovation and implement proven best practices resulting in a more coordinated, efficient, quality-driven care delivery system. Scott has been married to his wife Mary since 2011, and they are the proud parents of three girls - Allie, Arden and Eleanor.