Howard University Hospital Names Graduate and Professor as New President

Roger A. Mitchell Jr., MD, a Howard University graduate, professor, and gun violence prevention activist, shall be the brand new president of Howard University Hospital.

Adventist HealthCare and Howard University announced the leadership Aug. 26 under a management services agreement, continuing discussions a couple of long-term partnership. Dr. Mitchell will begin his latest role Sept. 13, following the departure of current Howard University Hospital President Anita Jenkins.

“The Beginning of a Whole New Journey” – Dr. Mitchell published on Instagram in response to the announcement. “Thank you to Howard University and Adventist HealthCare for trusting my leadership at such a critical time.”

Mitchell will step down from his current position as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan. He may also take a leave of absence from his tenured position as Professor of Pathology on the Howard University College of Medicine, a department he previously chaired. In his current position as CMO and his current role with the hospital’s Management Service Agreement, he helps oversee practice development and operations.

In his many roles on the university, within the hospital, and locally, Dr. Mitchell serves as the Director of the university’s Center of Excellence for Trauma and Violence Prevention, leading efforts to cut back gun violence in D.C. He also serves as Chair of the Howard University Hospital Performance Improvement Committee and previously served as Director of the university’s COVID-19 Testing Laboratory. Prior to joining Howard University, Mitchell served within the D.C. government for seven years, including as Chief Medical Examiner, Interim Director of the Department of Forensic Sciences, and Interim Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice.

“Dr. Mitchell is uniquely qualified to lead Howard University Hospital, bringing decades of strong leadership experience and insight from regional, national and international health care roles,” said John Sackett, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare. “Dr. Mitchell will provide the guidance needed to provide high-quality care to the D.C. community, attract the best physicians in the country to support comprehensive care and provide an excellent educational environment for medical students and residents.”

According to university statement, Dr. Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University and a Doctor of Medicine from UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School. He accomplished a New York University/NY OCME fellowship and a residency at George Washington University. He has published quite a few papers and has been a keynote speaker at national and global organizations. Dr. Mitchell is the president-elect National Medical Association, oldest and largest group within the United States representing black doctors and their patients.

“Dr. Mitchell’s extensive medical and public health experience and understanding of the needs of the D.C. community will inform his leadership as Howard University Hospital continues to advance initiatives that support the best health outcomes,” said Howard University President Ben Vinson III.

“His deep ties to Howard University as an alumnus, professor, and executive leader will guide how our students can best participate in groundbreaking clinical and research work that has significant impact and influence.”