Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive
Ballad Health
Clay Runnels, MD, leads Ballad Health's clinical enterprise structure as Chief Physician Executive. In this role, he has oversight of all clinical services, Ballad Health Medical Associates, Ballad Health Cardiovascular Associates, telehealth, care management, research, and academic programs including graduate medical education.
Dr. Runnels is a licensed emergency physician and has served in various leadership positions in the health system since 2000.
He has helped spearhead several award-winning projects, including initiatives to reduce time to treatment for oncology patients and to streamline the physician credentialing process. Dr. Runnels also participated in the development of a clinical command center and telehealth programs.
Dr. Runnels is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Building Resilient and Transparent Healthcare Partnerships through Governance
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
10:45am - 11:45am CT