Long-time local physician named to top doctor position

PROVO — Steve Bigler, MD, has been selected as the new Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the three Intermountain Healthcare hospitals in Utah County and four surrounding rural facilities.

A local OB-GYN since 1979, Dr. Bigler is replacing Tracy Hill, MD, who is leaving the position to serve as a mission president in Norway for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dr. Bigler will oversee the relationship with physicians at American Fork Hospital, Orem Community Hospital and Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Utah County as well as Delta Community Medical Center, Fillmore Community Medical Center, Sanpete Valley Hospital and Sevier Valley Medical Center.

“We feel extremely confident in Dr. Bigler’s qualifications and in his ability to be a leader among physicians and others to accomplish important objectives. We look forward to working more closely with him,” said Steve Smoot, vice president for Intermountain in Utah County.

As CMO for seven facilities, Dr. Bigler will act as a liaison between medical staff members and administration at each hospital. He will lead physician involvement on several important initiatives including the transition to a new electronic medical record. He will also work with all doctors to insure compliance to all patient safety and quality guidelines.

Dr. Bigler graduated from the Tulane School of Medicine and completed his residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He began practicing obstetrics and gynecology in Utah Valley in 1979 and led a successful practice until his transition into physician leadership.

In 2003, Dr. Bigler became the Surgical Services Medical Director for the local Intermountain facilities. Although he championed several key initiatives, one of his greatest contributions was improving physician satisfaction in the operating room setting.