Meritus Health announces new Chief Operating Officer for proposed medical school

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Meritus Health has announced Dave Lehr will serve as the Chief Operating Officer for the proposed Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lehr currently serves as Meritus Health’s Chief Strategy Officer, and will maintain that position according to Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., Meritus Health’s President and CEO.

“Dave has served Meritus Health in a tremendous capacity since he joined our organization in 2021.  He’s helped Meritus bring on specialist services and physicians to serve the needs of our community as we continue to grow.  Dave has been a guiding force for the proposed medical school since its inception, helping to lead our startup efforts.  His strong leadership will serve the community well as he continues to steer this exciting and important initiative,” Joshi said.

Joshi said the accreditation process for the medical school is progressing, and construction on the state-of-the art, 200,000 square foot academic building has begun.

“The proposed school will help us prepare physicians who are professionally accomplished, socially responsible, and community oriented,” Lehr said, “It will also improve the local economy, providing hundreds of new jobs to the region, and ultimately improving the health of our community by reducing a growing physician shortage. The proposed medical school will improve the health, education and economy of our region, and I look forward to the continued work and partnerships to bring the vision to reality.”