Steven Leonard, President/CEO, Peninsula Regional Health System (PRHS) and Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) today announced that Christopher Snyder, DO has been named the Chief Safety Officer/Physician Advisor for the Medical Center.  Dr. Snyder, who has been on the medical staff at PRMC and employed by them since 1996, will also continue in his role as a hospitalist, proving physician care to inpatients at PRMC.

Dr. Snyder will be responsible for leading the efforts underway to improve and enhance patient care quality, safety and efficiency through collaboration with providers and clinical staff on a daily basis.  He’ll be working closely with doctors, case managers and other advanced practice and clinical professionals to ensure patients are in the hospital when they need to be, and to advise when it's appropriate to release or move them to another care environment, such as a skilled nursing or acute care facility, home health, or outpatient observation services.

Dr. Snyder will also be responsible for giving direction to and training others on patient process flow, and offering guidelines about the appropriate level of care, length of stay, readmissions, and other healthcare utilization issues. He will also serve as an educational resource for hospital staff regarding medical necessity and regulations.

“In this role we will have a physician leader, Chris Snyder, who is committed to clinical excellence and safety and ensuring patients get the right care at the right time and place,” said C.B. Silvia, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for PRHS and PRMC.  “Chris has a long history of contributing to PRMC’s journey to continually improve the quality of care for our patients.  He initiated the Chief Medical Information Officer position, and helped lead our providers through the new Epic electronic medical record training and installation.  His depth of experience and his zeal for continuous improvement make him a great choice for this new position.”

Dr. Snyder became a hospitalist at PRMC in 2001.  He received a BS in Athletic Training/Exercise Physiology from Salisbury University and earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.  His residency and internship in family practice were completed at Suncoast Hospital in Largo, FL.  Dr. Snyder has previously practiced family medicine.  

He also currently serves as the Co-Medical Director of Utilization, the Medical Director of Performance Improvement and is the former Chief Medical Information Officer at PRMC.  He’s a Deputy Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland, and is a regular guest and physician expert on DelmarvaLife’s “Ask the Doctor” segment.  

Dr. Snyder enjoys CROSSFIT, fishing, forensics and sports in his off time.