RWJBarnabas names two new emergency, hospitalist leaders

RWJBarnabas Health has named two new leaders in the emergency and hospitalist medicine fields, as it prepares to assume the role of direct employer for partner Envision Physician Services.

RWJBH, based in West Orange, will become employer for Envision’s 550 providers, who work in emergency medicine, hospitalist medicine and the intensive care unit group at Community Medical Center, over the coming months — enhancing the alignment of the partners’ hospital facilities.

As a result, RWJBH has named Dr. Christopher Freer as its new senior vice president for emergency and hospitalist medicine, and Dr. Maninder “Dolly” Abraham as its chief of hospitalist medicine.

“Dr. Freer and Dr. Abraham will continue to bring their extensive experience and strong passion for health and quality care to their new roles,” Dr. John F. Bonamo, executive vice president and chief medical and quality officer at RWJBH, said in a prepared statement. “Their contributions will be instrumental as we continue to provide holistic care and an exceptional patient experience to our communities.”

Freer has five years of experience with the health system, as well as 22 years of experience at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, including multiple leadership roles. He has been system director for RWJBarnabas Health Emergency Services since 2015.

Abraham has 17 years of administrative experience leading hospitalist programs, including serving as medical director of the hospitalist program at Saint Barnabas, regional medical director with Envision and other leadership roles.

“As we implement the Envision enhancement, adding 650 physicians to our in-house team, Drs. Freer and Abraham will be charged with integrating these talented care providers into our system,” Hospital Division President Thomas A. Biga said in a statement. “This integration will streamline recruiting and hiring, as well as allow us to better support the talented physicians and clinical staff that have made our partnership with Envision a success.”