HOUSTON, TX – HCA Houston Healthcare announced that Arabinda “Ara” Pani, M.D., has been named chief medical officer (CMO) of HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest. Pani assumed his new role on January 2nd.
Dr. Pani joins HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest from Dignity Heath Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Prescott, Arizona, where he has practiced since 2009. He served as an emergency room physician and, most recently, Chief of Staff at the hospital from 2018 – 2022. He also held several other hospital leadership roles with YRMC, including serving as a Board Member of the Hospital and the YRMC Foundation. Before his time at YRMC, Pani was at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, where he completed his emergency medicine residency from 2006 – 2009.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Pani joining our team. He has an extensive background in clinical operations and patient care, coupled with solid executive healthcare management skills. His outstanding interpersonal skills will allow him to build solid relationships with our medical staff, hospital colleagues, patients and families,” said Scott Davis, CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest.
Dr. Pani graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University in 2001. He subsequently went on to Harvard Medical School, where he graduated in 2006. He is currently enrolled in the University of Texas executive physician leadership MBA / MHA program. Dr. Pani is board certified in emergency medicine and is a member of numerous professional physician organizations.