James

Louisville-based Baptist Healthcare System Inc. has named a new chief medical officer for its Baptist Health Plan and Baptist Health Community Care.

Dr. Thomas James III, who took over the previously unfilled role on Aug. 31, will lead Baptist Health Plan and Community Care’s clinical and pharmacy services, according to a news release.

Baptist Health Plan is the seven-hospital system’s insurance arm, known as Bluegrass Family Health before its recent rebranding. Baptist Health Community Care, which launched in April, focuses on population health — a systemwide push to promote wellness with healthy lifestyles and preventive medicine, rather than diagnosing and treating illness.

He worked most recently as corporate medical director for clinical policy at AmeriHealth Caritas in Philadelphia, the release said.