Greetings From Matt Foster, MD, MMM

As I start my first week as president and chief executive officer of Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center and Valley Regional Hospital, I want to introduce myself to you, my new neighbors. 

I began my medical career as a pathologist in 2002, where I gained a deep appreciation for collaboration, clinical excellence and a steadfast commitment to patient care. These are all values that thrive at Mt. Ascutney, Valley Regional, and throughout the Dartmouth Health system, and I am excited to join this community. In 2018, I completed my Master’s in Medical Management which aided my work over the years, providing me with the additional tools needed to build, manage, and steer modern health care organizations through the variety of challenges that exist today.

Most recently, I served as interim chief medical officer of Johnson Health Center in Central Virginia serving 30,000 patients in rural communities. Before that, I was senior vice president and chief physician executive at Centra Health, an independent health system, including a 355-bed acute care hospital as well as a 33-bed rural hospital, where I contributed to system-wide initiatives to enhance patient outcomes, quality and access to care. Throughout my clinical and business career, I’ve worked collaboratively across a variety of service lines from surgery to cancer care. 

I believe in the power of community and the strength forged by building trust, celebrating achievements, facing adversity together, and building lasting relationships. As someone who studies history, I believe it is important to honor and value past accomplishments and cherished traditions while simultaneously looking toward the future. In doing so, together we will strengthen our shared values and vision of what tomorrow can bring. To do this, I will need your help: to teach me about the values and past traditions of our community, to show me what is working and what is not, to work with me to improve (especially as we face the inevitable headwinds of modern health care), and finally to walk beside me, the physicians, nurses, providers and leaders of our hospitals and clinics to forge our own unique path. By focusing on a shared mission and the joy that comes from living and working in relationship and community we will create a truly special health care system in the Upper Valley. 

I know the importance and challenges of community health care, as well as the need to provide care close to home for so many in the community. Both Mt. Ascutney and Valley Regional are pillars of health and support in their respective communities, and their shared mission and dedication to serving the people of our region lend themselves to a natural and impactful partnership. By working together, these two hospitals will strengthen their ability to provide a comprehensive range of services—from emergency care to rehabilitation—ensuring that high-quality care remains accessible to all who need it. 

I am also excited to return to New England. I was born in Boston and (through the good and the bad) remain a lifelong Red Sox fan. My wife, who has family in Vermont, and I look forward to continuing to ski, mountain bike and garden. We also anticipate that our three daughters will be happy to visit us, our dogs, cat and chickens in our new home.

Please stop and say hello if you see me in Claremont or Windsor. I’m eager to meet everyone and learn how Mt. Ascutney and Valley Regional Hospitals can continue to grow and serve our incredible region together.

Warmly,

Matthew (Matt) Foster, MD, MMM
President and CEO
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center and Valley Regional Hospital

see also: press release