Dr. Robert W. Steele
After 17 years of service in Springfield, Mercy pediatrician and president of Mercy Hospital Springfield, Dr. Robert W. Steele, has announced he’s heading home. He’s accepted the position of chief strategy officer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. It’s the hospital where his father served as a pediatric infectious disease doctor and where Dr. Steele spent summers doing research in the lab – developing his love for science and medicine.
“I love Mercy, and I have really enjoyed my time here. But when an offer came to work alongside a childhood friend, in a city I consider to be ‘home’ - and where my wife has family - I just couldn’t turn it down.”
During his time as president of Mercy Hospital Springfield, Steele has overseen the opening of the new children’s hospital and the construction of Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Springfield. “Dr. Steele has been a strong leader and outstanding clinician during his time here,” said Jon Swope, president of Mercy’s Central Region. “He is a strategic thinker who brought so many talents to the organization; his upbeat personality and skill set will be missed.”
Dr. Steele will be with Mercy until May 2. Swope will assume interim duties as president of Mercy Hospital Springfield during the transition period, while continuing his role as president of Mercy’s Central Region. Dr. Alan Scarrow will continue his role as president of Mercy Clinic Springfield, and Jay Guffey will continue to lead as senior vice president and chief operating officer for Mercy Hospital Springfield.
“I will deeply miss my patients and the Springfield community,” said Dr. Steele. “I have enjoyed working with the outstanding leadership team, co-workers and physicians at Mercy, who strive everyday to meet the needs of our patients. It has truly been an honor.”