MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS News) - Ascension Saint Thomas has tapped a familiar face for one of its most influential leadership roles. Dr. Eric Greenfield is the new Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, bringing with him years of clinical leadership, emergency medicine experience and a track record of improving patient outcomes across Middle Tennessee.
In his new role, Dr. Greenfield will guide clinical strategy, strengthen physician engagement and oversee quality initiatives for the hospital and its affiliated medical staff. It’s a significant appointment at a facility already known as a regional leader in heart care, orthopedics—especially joint and knee replacements—and maternity services. The hospital’s specialty offerings also include a Joint Commission certified stroke center, a Level II NICU and a wide range of minimally invasive procedures.
Dr. Greenfield arrives with deep experience across the Ascension Saint Thomas system. Most recently, he served as Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Saint Thomas Dekalb, Highlands, River Park and Stones River. During that tenure, he helped lead River Park to a Leapfrog “A” safety rating and a five‑star designation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He also spearheaded improvements in emergency department operations, cutting patient length of stay by more than 25 percent.
Locally, many know Dr. Greenfield through his ongoing service as Medical Director for Rutherford County EMS. Under his leadership, out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest survival rates have climbed from 8 percent to an impressive 41 percent—an achievement that has drawn praise from first responders and hospital leaders alike. His earlier career includes nearly five years as Regional Medical Director for Ascension Saint Thomas hospitals and extensive work as an attending emergency physician at Midtown, Rutherford, West and several regional facilities.
“Eric is an exceptional physician leader whose dedication to clinical excellence and team collaboration consistently improves patient care,” said Daphne David, President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She noted that his experience will further strengthen the hospital’s commitment to safety, quality and compassionate care throughout Rutherford County.
Dr. Greenfield holds a Master of Management in Health Care from Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Ohio University. He and his wife, Dr. Swati Greenfield—also an emergency physician—have two children and enjoy traveling, mountain biking and skiing. He’s even a commercial pilot and flight instructor, a detail that seems fitting for someone accustomed to navigating high‑stakes environments.
His appointment comes as Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford continues expanding to meet the needs of a fast‑growing region. The hospital recently completed a $42 million project adding 18 critical care beds and a new ambulance bay, part of a long‑term plan to introduce more high‑acuity service lines such as cardiac surgery, complex cardiology and neurosciences.
Ascension Saint Thomas, a faith‑based nonprofit health system with a 125‑year history in Tennessee, now includes 18 hospitals and 320 sites of care across 45 counties. Dr. Greenfield’s leadership marks the next chapter in that long tradition of service.
