Samaritan Medical Center has appointed Dr. Mario F. Victoria as its new chief medical officer, effective Jan. 1.

A pediatrician practicing with Pediatric Associates of Watertown, Dr. Victoria was one of four candidates considered after the hospital conducted a national search earlier this year. He replaces Dr. Spencer P. Falcon, who resigned from the post May 1.

According to a Samaritan Medical Center news release, Dr. Victoria's past leadership roles with the hospital include president of the medical staff, trustee and chairman of the pediatrics department.

Thomas H. Carman, Samaritan Health president and chief executive officer, said in the news release that in his previous leadership roles, Dr. Victoria "has been extremely effective in working collaboratively with the physicians and administration to address issues and develop mutually beneficial solutions."

As chief medical officer, Dr. Victoria will develop relationships among members and leadership of the medical staff and administration, serve as a resource for the board of trustees and provide guidance and assistance to practitioners, physician leadership and staff.

He said he looks forward to coordinating with both hospital administrators and medical staff.

"I enjoy working with them," Dr. Victoria said. "I've been here for 11 years, and I don't think I'm going anywhere after this."

He resides in Watertown with his wife, Michele, and two children, Peter, 11, and Andrew, 8.

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