Sistrunk named to new leadership post at UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute
Heather Sistrunk is the administrative director of cancer clinical affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Cancer Center and Research Institute (CCRI).
Sistrunk has 27 years of clinical healthcare experience and 10 years of executive leadership experience in leading single to multi-hospital operational teams in the completion of strategic plans and special projects. She also has an extensive background in managing team environments consisting of providers, healthcare department leaders and community resources to create high-quality and efficient healthcare experiences for patients.
Most recently, Sistrunk served as CEO for Merit Health Rankin and Merit Health Woman’s hospitals, where she supported the strategic operations of the hospital and managed multiple ancillary departments and physician recruitment.
As the administrative director of cancer clinical affairs, Sistrunk will be responsible for leading the hospital and ambulatory clinical oncology operations of the institute. She will also work in conjunction with the associate director of clinical affairs on analytical support for the oncology service line, faculty recruitment and the development and implementation of strategic plans to advance patient care.
“Our mission is to reduce health care disparities and improve overall outcomes for cancer patients in our state.” said Sistrunk. “We have an amazing team of medical and surgical oncology specialists working in tandem with our nurses and staff to offer patient centric care. Our top priority is to expand access to care and continue to advance treatment options for our patients through research and clinical trials. It is an exciting moment to join CCRI as a clinical leader, and I look forward to the advancements our team will bring in caring for our state-wide community."
As a former executive director for Mississippi Healthcare Alliance, Sistrunk was instrumental in bringing state government, hospitals, physicians, and emergency management personnel together to address problematic diseases in Mississippi. She worked alongside cardiologists and neurologists throughout the state to construct a statewide system of care for acute heart attack and stroke cases.
Dr. Rodney Rocconi, CCRI director and Ergon Chair for Cancer Research, emphasized the important role Sistrunk will play in enhancing cancer care for patients.
"We’re excited to have Ms. Sistrunk join our cancer team. Her years of experience as a hospital chief operating office and chief executive officer will bring an operational skillset to help with our clinical efficiencies, as well as patient satisfaction," said Dr. Rocconi. "Additionally, she will assist in creating a more cohesive inpatient and outpatient enterprise.”