News

Freeman Announces Leadership Team Change  
Dr. Amanda Harrell Named New Chief Medical Officer
                                      
JOPLIN, Mo. - Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker announced on Tuesday a key change to the Freeman leadership team, with Freeman Internist Amanda Harrell, DO, named as the new Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Baker said Dr. Harrell will be transitioning into her new role over the coming months. The Freeman CMO provides oversight and direction of the medical care provided by Freeman as well as leadership to the Freeman medical staff.
“I am excited to have her join our senior administrative team,” Baker said.
David Baker, DO, who has served as Freeman’s CMO since 2021, will return to clinical surgery practice at Freeman, she said. Dr. Baker is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery and specializes in general surgery.
“I want to personally thank Dr. Baker for his service to Freeman in the Chief Medical Officer role,” she said. “His guidance was instrumental in navigating our COVID response as well as many other challenges we have encountered over his tenure.”
Dr. Harrell - who joined Freeman Southwest Internal Medicine in August 2016 - earned her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, Mo., and completed her internal medicine residency at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Mo.

                                  

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center - the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services - as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.