Latus Medical Care Names Chief Medical Officer and Practice Administrator
Latus Medical is also hiring for a variety of open positions, including clinical support, health care practitioners and care support collaboration. Interested applicants can visit www.latusmedicalcare.com for more information and to apply.
Amherst, NY– John R. Fudyma, MD, MPH is the new chief medical officer and Peggy D. Smering, RN, BSN is practice administrator for Latus Medical Care, a new primary care practice opening later this year in Amherst, Dr. Thomas Schenk, founder and CEO, announced today.
Dr. Fudyma will lead the innovative practice to ensure delivery of high-quality, effective and convenient primary care for BlueCross BlueShield members. Dr. Fudyma has more than 40 years of diverse experience in the medical field as a practicing physician and instructor. He most recently served as chief of the division of general internal medicine for the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
“I took a really thoughtful approach in identifying and hiring Dr. Fudyma and Peggy Smering because I want to be certain Latus offers patients the best doctor office experience possible,” said Dr. Schenk. “Together they bring years of experience and I look forward to working collaboratively to finalize the design and delivery details of the practice, including recruiting and hiring a full team of dedicated primary care office professionals.”
Dr. Fudyma is a graduate of Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He received a master of public health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and a bachelor of arts in biology from Hamilton College. He trained at the University of Buffalo in internal medicine.
“Latus offers an extraordinary opportunity to bring primary care to hundreds of BlueCross BlueShield members who do not presently have a regular doctor,” said Dr. Fudyma. “This is the next step in medicine, a national trend coming to Western New York. It should be smoother, more patient friendly and, as a physician, I look forward to spending more quality time with my patients.”
Dr. Fudyma is a member of Millennium Collaborative Care’s Board of Directors and Physician Advisory Committee. He also serves as the Buffalo District president for the New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians.
Smering will oversee all operational aspects of the new practice to ensure the highest level of patient satisfaction. She has more than 30 years of leadership experience in health care management, most recently serving as director, care management for Catholic Medical Partners. Smering previously served in a variety of roles for Independent Health, Kaiser Permanente and Univera Healthcare.
She received a bachelor of science in nursing from Niagara University. A registered nurse, she is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and is a Certified Case Manager.
“I’ve seen medicine from all sides. This new approach to primary care is exciting for its innovation and service model that BlueCross BlueShield members will value and notice at each visit,” Smering said. “I can’t wait to get our team assembled and start working for our patients.”
Latus Medical Care is hiring for a variety of open positions, including clinical support, health care practitioners and care support collaboration. Interested applicants can visit www.latusmedicalcare.com for more information and to apply.
About Latus Medical Care
Latus Medical Care is an innovative primary care practice that exclusively serves BlueCross BlueShield members. The 8,000-square-foot office is located at 2350 Maple Road, near the intersection of Maple and Transit roads. The practice will offer an array of primary care and other integrated services, including preventive care, complex care for members with chronic diseases. Visit www.latusmedicalcare.comfor more information.
