Murfreesboro, TN — Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, a leading healthcare institution in the region, proudly introduces two esteemed professionals to its leadership team. Dr. Thomas Cummins has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer, while Julie Hudgens takes on the role of Assistant Chief Operating Officer.
Dr. Cummins, a seasoned medical professional, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Previously serving as the Division Chief Medical Officer for UT Health East Texas and the Regional Chief Medical Officer at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, SC, he is well-equipped to steer Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford towards continued success. Dr. Cummins is a graduate of the University of Arkansas College of Medicine, with a residency in Internal Medicine. In 2012, he earned his Masters degree in Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.
Julie Hudgens, the newly appointed Assistant Chief Operating Officer, has been an integral part of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford's clinical staff for the past 13 years. With a background as the Regional Director of Pharmacy, overseeing multiple pharmacy departments, Julie's expertise is a valuable addition to the leadership team. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Auburn University and an MBA with Specialization in Healthcare Management from Capella University, along with credentials as a Certified Pharmacy Executive Leader.
Gordon Ferguson, President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, "I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Thomas Cummins and Julie Hudgens to our leadership team. These two individuals bring a high level of experience and expertise, and we are excited about the positive impact they will have on our associates, patients, and community."
About Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford: Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital and ER is a critical care facility offering advanced specialty care services. The hospital, providing 24/7 emergency care, is renowned for its comprehensive services, including heart and vascular care, orthopedics, intensive care, maternal-fetal medicine, obstetrics, and maternity services.
Originally established in 1927 as a two-story hospital in downtown Murfreesboro, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford has evolved over the years to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. In 2010, the hospital opened a new facility on Medical Center Parkway in the Gateway Zone and now stands as a full-service hospital serving a population estimated at 380,000 residents, plus all surrounding communities. The hospital has expanded its facilities, with recent additions to include a state-of-the-art cardiology department in 2023 and the opening of Westlawn, the first neighborhood hospital in Tennessee, in 2022. Westlawn, located on Veterans Parkway near Interstate 840, features a 24-hour emergency room and eight inpatient hospital rooms, enhancing Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford's commitment to accessible healthcare.
