Electronic Health Reporter

Conshohocken, PA (February 11, 2014): Mercy Health System has announced the appointment of Peter Cardinal, MD, MHA to the position of President, Mercy Physician Network where he will be responsible for enhancing physician relations and alignment, system growth, and clinical excellence. The Mercy Physician Network provides quality, person-centered care across the continuum of care through 40 office locations comprised of nearly 100 physicians in the Philadelphia region.

With more than 25 years of physician leadership experience, Dr. Cardinal comes to Mercy Physician Network from Holy Spirit Health System in Camp Hill, PA, where he served as the Medical Director and Acting Chief Medical Information Officer.  In this capacity, he was responsible for the medical care and administrative functioning of a multi-specialty medical group with $42 million annual revenue and over 100 providers in primary care and surgical subspecialties. Dr. Cardinal also served as Medical Director of Capital Blue Cross in Harrisburg, PA and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Gettysburg Hospital.

As a physician-leader in the Army, he oversaw outpatient care provided by over 120 physicians and extenders, 12 office managers, and numerous nurses and other support personnel. Dr. Cardinal is currently the Chair of the PAFP Legal and Government Affairs Committee and a member of the similar committee for the PA Medical Society. For five years he served as Board President and Chief Volunteer Officer at New Hope Ministry, a community social service agency serving families in crisis in Cumberland, York and Adams County.
A retired Colonel in the US Army, Dr. Cardinal received his medical degree from Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD, and completed his residency in Family Practice at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Augusta GA. He earned his Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC and his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Chemistry from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. He is a fellow in the American Academy of Family Practice and the American College of Physician Executives and also serves as a reviewer for Family Practice Management Journal and Military Medicine Journal.

“We are pleased to gain Dr. Cardinal’s leadership and vision in strengthening our commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and compassionate care in the Mercy Physician Network,” said Susan Croushore, Interim CEO of Mercy Health System. “Dr. Cardinal has the expertise and hands-on experience necessary to guide our future as the network grows, strengthen the care delivery system, and continue to provide excellent patient satisfaction.”

About Mercy Health System

A diverse, integrated system providing comprehensive health care services, Mercy Health System is comprised of four acute care hospitals, a home healthcare organization, several wellness centers, physician practices, a federal PACE program, and co?owner of managed care plan, Gateway Health Plan. With 250 primary care and specialty physicians, Mercy Health System is a teaching community health system affiliated with Drexel University School of Medicine and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). The largest Catholic healthcare system serving the Delaware Valley, Mercy Health System is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Hope Ministries; and is a member of CHE Trinity Health, a multi?institutional, Catholic health system. The vision of Mercy Health System is to be a leading provider of compassionate care and community access to quality health services that improve the health of individuals and communities. To learn more about Mercy Health System, visit www.mercyhealth.org.