Health Care Management Program

With more than 25 years of progressive and practical experience, Dr. Chris Darnell is an accomplished healthcare leader.

Background 

Before transitioning into academia, Chris served as the Hospital Administrator at Big Sky Medical Center, a critical access hospital located in southwest Montana, the Chief Executive Officer at Telluride Regional Medical Center, situated in rural Colorado, and Vice President at three community hospitals. His roles involved oversight of hospital operations, strategic planning, and business development. He has also managed numerous primary and specialty care clinics, inpatient and outpatient care, support and ancillary services, marketing and community relations, and various business development initiatives, including practice mergers/ acquisitions, expansion of urgent cares, integrating behavioral health, launching a telemedicine network, and more.

Early in his career, Chris completed a post-graduate Administrative Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina, a leading academic medical center, where he later held several leadership positions.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Hampden Sydney College, a master’s degree in Health Sciences from the Medical University of South Carolina, and a doctorate in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. Additionally, he has taught healthcare administration classes in higher education; served on the local School Board and Chamber of Commerce Board; and he is very active in the community.

Education 

DHA, Health Administration, Medical University of South Carolina
MHS, Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
BA, Economics, Hampden-Sydney College

Research/Scholarly Interests 

• Rural Health
• Population Health
• Intersection of Innovation and Healthcare

Courses Taught

• HCM 3630 - Health Services Organization Behavior and Design
• HCM 3620 - Health Care Economics
• HCM 4920 - Health Care Law and Ethics