Dr. Sheryl Beard Named Chief Medical Officer of Ascension Medical Group Via Christi

Ascension Via Christi has appointed Sheryl Beard, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer and Clinical Dyad Leader for Ascension Medical Group Via Christi. Dr. Beard succeeds Philip Newlin, MD, who is retiring at the end of October after years of dedicated clinical leadership.

In her new role, Dr. Beard will oversee clinical operations, provider engagement, quality performance and ambulatory care strategy across Ascension Medical Group Via Christi's regional network. The medical group operates 13 clinics and an urgent care center in Wichita as well as outpatient clinics in Andover, Derby, Wellington, Mulvane and Manhattan. It employs 120 physicians and 100 advanced practice providers across a wide range of medical specialties

Dr. Beard's deep history with the organization began with her Family Medicine Residency at Via Christi. Following her residency, she served as a physician in the United States Air Force at McConnell Air Force Base, later returning to Via Christi to serve as an academic faculty member for the Via Christi Family Medicine Residency program for 11 years. She then transitioned into clinical practice with Ascension Medical Group before stepping into executive leadership as Chief Medical Officer of Via Christi St. Francis in 2021.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Beard into this new leadership position at Ascension Medical Group," said Dr. Tim Bode, Chief Clinical Officer for Via Christi. "Her deep roots in our ministry, extensive background in ambulatory medicine and diverse experience across clinical, academic and administrative roles make her uniquely suited to lead our medical group into the future as we continue expanding high-quality outpatient care throughout Kansas."

Dr. Beard earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita in 1999 and completed her Family Medicine Residency at Via Christi in 2002.