Susan Calhoun, MD, MBA is an anesthesiologist and the medical director of the outpatient surgery center at Regional One Health. A graduate of Harvard University’s executive education for health care leaders program, Dr. Calhoun completed her medical studies at Howard University and received her MBA from the University of Memphis.

Dr. Calhoun was inspired by her father, a general surgeon, and followed his footsteps to becoming the devoted physician she is today. “I remember going with him on his Saturday rounds, riding with him in his station wagon down country roads to tend to his patients who wouldn’t or couldn’t come to his office in town,” Dr. Calhoun recalled. “His dedication to his patients and the personal fulfillment his work gave him inspired me.”

“Most of my practice as a physician has been in public institutions serving patients who face multiple life and healthcare challenges. As an anesthesiologist, my face time with patients is limited, but I try to use my time not only to educate my patients on the anesthetic process, but also on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

In her medical director role, Dr. Calhoun has a particular interest in system redesign and process improvement and uses her extensive training to lead projects geared toward improving operating room safety and efficiency.