George Jirak selected as president of Augusta Medical Group

George Jirak, MD, MBA, has been chosen as the next president of Augusta Medical Group.  Dr. Jirak started his new position on August 26.

A board-certified gynecologist and uro-gynecologist, Dr. Jirak has more than 30 years of both clinical and administrative experience, most recently at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, West Virginia.  He has provided a wide range of gynecology services, developed a Women’s Healthcare Service, expanded satellite services and educated residents.  Administratively, he has served as Medical Director of the employed physician practice, overseeing all management functions including strategic planning, EMR implementation and development of quality metrics.

“Dr. Jirak’s professional and personal qualities make him an ideal fit for Augusta Medical Group,” says Mary N. Mannix, FACHE, President and CEO of Augusta Health.  “He is a high-energy person with a passion for working with physicians.  He is known for his collaboration, his competency and his focus on patient care as his primary interest in his practice.  While Dr. Jirak will no longer be actively practicing clinically, his strong clinical practice background will keep him grounded.”

Dr. Jirak earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin while on ROTC scholarship.  After completing his Medical degree there, he served his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.  He earned a Physician Executive MBA from the University of Tennessee, where he was EMR project leader and was give the Outstanding Service Award by his fellow students.  He has practiced in West Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin and California.

A self-taught sailor who is also a certified SCUBA instructor, Dr. Jirak enjoys skiing, skeet shooting and photography.  He and his wife Suzette, who have three adult children, are relocating to the Shenandoah Valley.

Dr. Jirak was chosen from a highly qualified group of candidates from around the United States.  The Search Committee—Dr. Richard Evans, Chair; Dr. Michael Barrett, Dr. Clint Merritt, Dr. Barbara Fenton, Dr. David Caulkins, Dr. Whit Morriss, Dr. Mick Andersen and Karen Clark—were thorough in their reviewing and interviewing of candidates and their thoughtful consideration and insights throughout the process.  Dr. Andersen, who has been serving as interim director of Augusta Medical Group, will work with Dr. Jirak through his transition period.

Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit community hospital whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of our community through access to excellent care.  Named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in America by Thomson Reuters in both 2011 and 2012, Augusta Health has also been nationally recognized by HealthGrades for clinical excellence and patient safety and has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospital by HealthGrades.  For more information about Augusta Health, its programs or its services, please contact Public Relations at 540.245.7329 or 540.221.7329, or visit our website, www.augustahealth.com.