Renowned heart surgeon Dr. Rohinton Morris will be taking on the role of Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Tower Health starting from April. Driven by the desire to have a greater impact, Dr. Morris has decided to leave his position as Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Jefferson Health, expressing frustration with the immense growth of the institution.

Dr. Morris, who has received training and worked in several esteemed Philadelphia hospitals, will now oversee cardiothoracic surgery and cardiovascular medicine at Tower Health. This nonprofit health system comprises of three acute care hospitals in the Philadelphia suburbs, including Reading, Phoenixville, and Pottstown, as well as St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in North Philadelphia.

During Dr. Morris' tenure as Chief of Heart Surgery at Jefferson Health, the system expanded significantly from three hospitals to a staggering 18 hospitals across Philadelphia, the surrounding Pennsylvania counties, and South Jersey. Furthermore, the system is projected to grow even further if the acquisition of Lehigh Valley Health Network is successfully finalized, with the potential addition of 30 hospitals, extending as far north as Scranton.

Dr. Morris felt that the exponential growth of Jefferson Health had dwindled his ability to effect meaningful change, stating, "As the system has gotten larger and larger, my influence has gone lesser and lesser." Seeking a platform where he could make a more substantial difference, Dr. Morris saw the smaller network of Tower Health as an opportunity, even if it may not carry the same level of prestige as a university job. He believes that the nimbleness and flexibility of a smaller health system will enable him to shape cardiac care delivery more effectively.

Despite Tower Health experiencing financial losses and low cash reserves last year, Dr. Morris's discussions with Tower leadership gave him confidence in their ability to recruit physicians and expand services. He remains undeterred by these challenges, remarking, "If I can increase the volume, then there are not going to be any obstacles."

Bucking the trend of focusing on advanced robotic surgeries, which can be financially lucrative, Dr. Morris intends to prioritize expanding access to basic cardiac care. His vision is to enhance care for aging patients in Philadelphia's suburbs by extending clinic hours and ensuring that individuals living near Tower hospitals can conveniently access cardiac care without having to travel to Philadelphia.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Morris is currently pursuing an online Master's program in Public Health at George Washington University. He envisions a future where individuals in the area will no longer feel compelled to seek care outside their region due to a perceived lack of high-end medical services.

Dr. Rohinton Morris's decision to join Tower Health showcases the importance of prioritizing impact over prestige in the medical field. With his expertise and commitment to expanding access to cardiac care, it is hoped that he will bring significant advancements to the health system and improve the lives of patients in the Philadelphia suburbs.