HealthChoice, a Memphis-based physician hospital organization (PHO), has named George Wortham, MD, to replace outgoing president and CEO Mitch Graves, who will serve as chief executive of West Cancer Center & Research Institute.

HealthChoice's board of governors approved the appointment last month. Dr. Wortham is a 20-plus-year member of MetroCare Physicians, an independent physician association that assists practices in reshaping the delivery of healthcare in the Memphis area and helping transform the healthcare system locally, from payments for procedures and sickness to value and outcomes. He has most recently served as CEO of the association since 2014.

"Dr. Wortham brings a wealth of experience and know-how given his 30-year career in obstetrics and gynecology, his leadership with MetroCare Physicians, and his longtime relationships with HealthChoice, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and local insurance providers," said Carter Towne, MD, board chairman.

A Vanderbilt University alumnus, Dr. Wortham completed his post-graduate medical education and residency at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis. Dr. Wortham assumed his new position May 1.

HealthChoice is joint venture between Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and MetroCare Physicians.