By Jill Clendening

John Scott, MD, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine in the Department of Medicine’s Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has been named as the new executive medical director of VUMC’s Primary Care Patient Care Center (PCC). The change is effective Sept. 1.

This position was previously held by Victor Legner, MD, who is moving into the new role of associate vice chair for Network Services for the Department of Medicine.

“I’m excited that Dr. Scott is moving into this critical role for the Medical Center,” said Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, Hugh J. Morgan Professor of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine. “Throughout his more than two decades at VUMC he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and unfailing dedication to our patients and their families.

“The need to deliver adult primary care has grown exponentially in our region, and we have been working diligently to transform health care models as we serve this population. Dr. Scott and the Primary Care PCC, working with collaborative partners across VUMC, will ensure we will continue to provide the very best patient-centered care.”

“I am happy to pass the executive medical director role for the Primary Care PCC on to Dr. John Scott, an exemplary physician and leader who has an established reputation for solid decision-making and collaboration with medical teams and providers throughout the Medical Center,” said Legner.

“Since the Primary Care PCC was formed two years ago, we have made great strides in providing both excellent preventive medicine and proactive medicine for our patients, including treating complex illnesses and delivering appropriate care as they transition through their lives. It will be exciting to watch how John moves this thriving group forward as we continue to improve how we serve our patients.”

Scott will continue to serve as associate chief medical officer for Williamson and Maury counties, a leadership role he has held since 2020. He previously served as assistant chief medical officer for the region. He joined the VUMC faculty in 2001 and has spent two decades practicing medicine in Williamson County. Scott earned his medical degree and completed his residency training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve as the new executive medical director for the Primary Care PCC,” Scott said. “Dr. Victor Legner has worked tirelessly in this role, paving the way for continued success. We are fortunate his new position will continue to support quality initiatives and reflect our patient-base complexity.

“Leaders within the Medical Center and the Department of Medicine have expressed strong support and committed resources to enable the delivery of consistent, quality health care to communities across Middle Tennessee. Our exceptional primary care clinicians continue to evolve, adapting to a medical landscape which demands more time, energy and expertise. Ensuring alignment of incentives will be a key point of emphasis as we leverage this vital talent pool.”

The Primary Care PCC provides the infrastructure to rapidly meet the needs of the regional population, to provide innovative structures for care in an increasingly connected and tech-savvy community, and to be proactive in providing highest quality primary care in the ever-changing health care environment.

“As someone who has worked closely with John Scott for many years, I am excited that he will be our new executive medical director for Primary Care,” said Paul Sternberg Jr., MD, Chief Medical Officer for the Vanderbilt Medical Group.

“This PCC is critical for VUMC’s growth strategy, and it clearly will be in wonderful hands. In addition, I am grateful that he has agreed to stay on as our associate chief medical officer for Williamson and Maury Counties, where he plays such an important role in our operational performance and continued growth.”