Dr John Murphy Elected Chairman

Of DHS Board Of Directors

DANBURY — The Board of Directors of Danbury Health Systems elected John M. Murphy, MD, of Newtown as chairman at the health system’s recent annual meeting. He becomes the first physician to chair the DHS board.

 Dr Murphy, who has served on the board since 1995, was vice chairman from 2003 until his election to chairman. His board experience includes membership of the Medical Affairs Committee and the Governance Committee. Dr Murphy has also served as president of the Danbury Hospital medical staff from 1998 to 2000 and member of the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut Hospital Association.

Dr Murphy practices neurology with Associated Neurologists, PC, in Danbury. He conducts extensive medical research and authors frequent publications on Parkinson’s disease.

A summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University, Dr Murphy earned his medical degree at Rutgers Medical School. After an internship in internal medicine he completed his residency in neurology as chief resident at New Jersey Medical School University Hospital.

Dr Murphy has earned a variety of honors and awards and has been recognized in publications including “Best Doctors in the New York Area,” “Best Doctors in Connecticut,” and “Best Doctors in America.”

“I think it’s wonderful that the board has elected a physician as its chairman,” said Dr Murphy. “We have a very engaged and effective board because the board has consciously sought members with varied knowledge, skills, experience, and perspective.

 “Physicians bring scientific training and an understanding of the complexities of medicine and they have an ethical and professional commitment to put patients’ welfare first. Since the hospital’s mission is to advance the health and well being of the community, having a physician chair the board underscores the organization’s commitment to achieving its mission by putting patients first,” Dr Murphy said.

“Health care is becoming increasingly complex and Danbury Hospital has evolved into a regional medical center with an outstanding reputation. As chairman, I am excited by the opportunity to help the board lead the organization.”

Dr Murphy is the first physician to serve as chairman of the board in Danbury Hospital’s 120-year history. Three other physicians, Dr John Borruso, Dr Robert Wenick, and Dr Joan Draper, also serve on the board.

“Physicians in the community recognize that the board has actively sought physician participation and by electing a physician as chairman, the board is again demonstrating its commitment to work collaboratively with physicians,” said Frank J. Kelly, president and CEO of Danbury Health Systems.

“Dr Murphy brings both his outstanding medical background and his in-depth leadership experience to the DHS Board. His unique qualifications will provide our board and the community with exceptional strength during this time of rapid growth and change in health care.”