For Immediate Release:
August 22, 2011

Robert J. Caldas, DO, named Chief Medical Officer for Southcoast

Robert J. Caldas, DO

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group today announced the appointment of long-time local physician Robert J. Caldas, DO, as Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Southcoast Hospitals Group. Dr. Caldas will be at Southcoast one day a week through the summer while he transitions his practice. He will begin working full-time at Southcoast on October 1.

Dr. Caldas has long been a practicing primary care physician in the South Coast region, most recently with Hawthorn Medical Associates in Dartmouth. Prior to that role, he practiced at the Family Wellness Center in Dartmouth.

"Dr. Caldas has practiced in the South Coast region and served on the St. Luke's medical staff for more than 20 years. He knows our community, our patients and works alongside our physicians every day," said Keith A. Hovan, President &CEO of Southcoast Health System and Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"Dr. Caldas is a highly motivated physician leader with a strong commitment to quality and safety," Hovan said. "As Chief Medical Officer, he will further expand his oversight and direction of Southcoast's quality improvement and patient safety programs while building collaborative relationships among the members of our physicians at our three hospital sites."

Dr. Caldas received his Medical Degree from New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. He completed his residency in family practice at York Hospital in York, Pa., and performed his internship at Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. Dr. Caldas received his Bachelor's Degree from Providence College.

Dr. Caldas is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice and currently serves as Chairman of the Quality & Utilization Committee at St. Luke's Hospital. He is the former Chairman of the Department of Family Practice at St. Luke's. He is currently the President-elect of the St. Luke's Hospital medical staff and a member of Southcoast's Medical Executive, Credentials & Critical Care committees.

Dr. Caldas resides in Mattapoisett with his wife, Teresa, and four children.