Broward Health welcomes James Roach, D.O. to lead Emergency Medicine for The System and act as Chief Medical Officer at Flagship Hospital

By Lineth Fernandez

   FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. – Broward Health welcomes James Roach, D.O., a proven physician leader, as its system chief of emergency medicine for all of Broward Health and chief medical officer of Broward Health Medical Center. He will begin his new role October 3.

“We are fortunate to attract a physician of Jim’s caliber to lead emergency care for our community,” said Shane Strum, President & CEO of Broward Health. “We look forward to his leadership and unique relationship with local Fire-Rescue as we continue elevating the level of patient care we provide to our South Florida community.”

Roach is the medical director for Broward Sheriff’s Office, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and Sunrise Fire Rescue, which will be an invaluable asset to the system as Broward Health expands into western Broward County with the addition of a new freestanding Emergency Department in Sunrise in 2023.

Prior to joining Broward Health, he was regional chairman of Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Emergency Medicine Institute. Previously, Roach worked at Broward Health for nearly a decade, starting in 2006 when he was an emergency medicine physician for the health system. He was also Broward Health Coral Springs’ emergency medical director.

“I’m very happy to come back home to a health system that is a leader in providing a diverse suite of advanced trauma and emergency care for everyone, from pediatrics to our active seniors,” Roach said.

Roach has received multiple accolades throughout his career, including the Fire Chiefs Association of Broward County’s 2021 Ralph A. Marrinson EMS Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2020 Physician with Outstanding Contributions to EMS. He was awarded Cleveland Clinic Weston’s 2018 Patient Safety Champion Award. In addition, Dr. Roach earned numerous awards from Broward Health, including a Distinguished Physician Award in 2015, Most Valuable Physician Award in 2012, Nursing Relations Award and Professionalism Award.

Roach earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Florida Atlantic University and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. Roach is a member of the Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors and the American Osteopathic Association, and a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American College of Healthcare Executives.