Kingwood, Texas — HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood has named Arabinda “Ara” Pani, MD, as its new chief medical officer (CMO). In this role, Dr. Pani will oversee clinical quality initiatives and help advance patient-centered care across the hospital.
Dr. Pani joins HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood after serving as chief medical officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest since January 2023, where he led efforts focused on quality improvement, physician collaboration and high-quality patient care delivery.
“Dr. Pani brings a strong track record of physician leadership and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional patient care,” said John Corbeil, chief executive officer. “His experience leading quality initiatives and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams will be instrumental as we continue to serve the growing healthcare needs of the Lake Houston community.”
Before joining HCA Houston Healthcare, Dr. Pani practiced at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona, where he served as an emergency medicine physician and later chief of staff from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, he also served in several leadership roles, including as a board member for both the hospital and the YRMC Foundation.
Dr. Pani graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University in 2001 and earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 2006. He completed his emergency medicine residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center from 2006 to 2009. He earned his master’s in healthcare administration from University of Texas. Board certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Pani is also an active member of several professional physician organizations.