Adventist HealthCare and Howard University have announced Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. as the new President of Howard University Hospital, effective September 13. This appointment follows the decision of current President Anita Jenkins to step down from her role.
Dr. Mitchell will assume his new position as part of a Management Service Agreement between Adventist HealthCare and Howard University. He is currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer for the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan. He will take a leave of absence from his professor role at Howard University College of Medicine to focus on his new responsibilities.
A New Leader for Howard University Hospital
In making this announcement, John Sackett, President and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, expressed confidence in Dr. Mitchell’s qualifications and leadership capabilities. “Dr. Mitchell is uniquely qualified to lead Howard University Hospital, bringing decades of strong leadership experience and insight from regional, national, and international healthcare roles,” said Sackett. “Dr. Mitchell will provide the guidance needed to provide high-quality care for the D.C. community, attract the best physicians in the nation to support comprehensive healing, and ensure a superior learning environment for medical students and residents.”
The change in leadership comes as part of ongoing discussions between Adventist HealthCare and Howard University to establish a long-term partnership to address healthcare challenges in the community. Dr. Mitchell’s background includes a focus on community health initiatives, efforts to reduce gun violence, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ben Vinson III, President of Howard University, also highlighted Dr. Mitchell’s potential impact on the hospital and the broader community.
“Dr. Mitchell’s extensive medical and public health experience, as well as his understanding of the needs of the D.C. community, will inform his leadership so that Howard University Hospital continues to advance initiatives to support the best health outcomes,” said Vinson. “His deep connections to Howard University as an alumnus, professor, and executive leader will inform how our students can best participate in ground-breaking clinical and research work with significant influence and impact.”
