By Sylvia Powers
Senior Correspondent
Michael Stewart has officially taken the reins as the new President of Methodist Charlton Medical Center, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a forward-looking vision aimed at enhancing patient care and community engagement. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for the hospital, which has been a cornerstone of healthcare services in the southern Dallas community for over five decades.
A Proven Track Record
With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Stewart’s background includes significant executive roles in hospital administration and healthcare operations. Prior to his new role at Charlton Methodist, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Saline Health System in Benton, Arkansas, since 2018.
His extensive experience also includes leading Navarro Regional Hospital in Corsicana, Texas, along with multiple leadership positions in hospitals across Arkansas, California, and Florida.
Although he is a native of Florida, Stewart is no stranger to Texas. He earned his Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.
His early career included four years of service in the United States Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Captain.
“I have a couple of brothers who live in the area, and I’ve been in and out of the Dallas Metro for the last ten years,” Stewart shared, underscoring his familiarity with the community he now leads.
Stewart’s leadership approach emphasizes collaboration and innovation. He has a proven track record of overseeing projects that expand services, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of care.
Vision for the Future
Under Stewart’s leadership, Methodist Charlton is poised to enhance its role as a vital healthcare resource in the region.
“We are the second busiest emergency department in the DFW area, seeing around 7,000 to 8,000 patients every month. We want to ensure that while people come to us for emergencies, they also think of us for their elective healthcare needs,” he explained.
Last year the hospital opened a new $71 million emergency department.
As the hospital continues to enhance its services, Stewart envisions a renewed focus on community engagement and grassroots outreach. “We are committed to strengthening community partnerships to better meet the diverse needs of our patients. We have a new executive team. We’re looking at this from an executive standpoint as if we’re starting with a new vehicle,” he emphasized.
Stewart’s commitment to community involvement is evident. “I’m going to be out and about, my team is going to be where the people are, rather than having them come to us. That’s the best way to hear from voices that often go unheard,” he said.
Engaging with the Community
With just five months in his new role, Stewart is actively seeking feedback from patients and community members to understand their experiences and concerns.
“I’ve received a lot of feedback during my time in this community. I often ask people when they last visited the hospital. Many haven’t been here since 1998 or 2004, and while there were good aspects from those times, there were challenges too,” he admitted.
Educating the community about the improvements at Charlton Methodist is a top priority for Stewart. “The quality of care here has been phenomenal. Our patient experience ratings continue to rise, and we have the data to back that up. If you haven’t been here in the last three to five years, I encourage you to come back and see the changes for yourself,” he urged.
Looking Ahead
As Michael Stewart steps into his role as President of Charlton Methodist Hospital, he is not only focused on immediate improvements but also on fostering a long-term relationship with the community. His commitment to listening, engaging, and educating reflects a leadership style dedicated to building trust and enhancing the overall health and wellness of the Dallas community.
Stewart and his wife, Trisha, have a 6-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. A lifetime member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, he also serves on advisory boards for the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and UT’s McCombs School of Business.
