Originally Published: Michigan Chronicle
Client: Central City Health

Central City Health (CCH), a Detroit-based nonprofit and Federally Qualified Health Center, has named Dr. Norris Polk its new Chief Medical Officer, a key leadership appointment to advance the organization’s patient care and community health initiatives. CCH President and CEO Dr. Kimberly Farrow-Felton made the announcement yesterday. Dr. Polk brings extensive experience and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to the underserved communities in Detroit.

Farrow-Felton expressed everyone is happy to welcome Dr. Polk to Central City Health.

“Dr. Polk’s extensive experience and dedication to healthcare and community service make him an invaluable addition. His commitment to continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practices aligns perfectly with our mission and values. We look forward to the leadership and vision he will bring to our organization.”

Dr. Polk will have a direct reporting line to Farrow-Felton as part of his new position. In this capacity, he will assume responsibility for providing effective leadership and strategic guidance for CCH’s primary care, compliance, and behavioral health departments. Dr. Polk’s primary focus will be to guarantee that patients receive exemplary medical care by overseeing the performance of the physicians and clinicians under his supervision. He will be tasked with ensuring strict adherence to healthcare regulations and safety standards, staying abreast of the latest developments to keep the staff informed, and driving the exploration of innovative approaches to enhance the delivery of clinical services.

Dr. Polk has accrued more than 30 years of advancing healthcare and medical expertise. He has played a crucial role in the public and private healthcare sectors. Throughout his career, he has held positions such as Director and Pediatrician for School-based Health Centers at the Henry Ford Medical Group, Medical Consultant in the Medical Policy Division for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and staff physician in the Department of Pediatrics at St. John Riverview Hospital, among other roles. Before joining CCH, Dr. Polk was the Associate Medical Officer and Chief of Pediatrics for the Detroit Community Health Connection, Inc. (DCHC).

In the public health arena, he served as Medical Director of the Detroit Primary Care Network for the City of Detroit Department of Health. Additionally, Dr. Polk has held an academic appointment as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator in the Department of Pediatrics at Wayne State University, a role that underscores his knowledge and expertise in the field.

An expert in medical policy, pediatrics, medical informatics, and project management, Dr. Polk earned his Doctor of Medicine from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, and both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Jackson State University in Jackson, MS. He also holds Health Information Technology (HIT) Certification, received in October 2016. His professional affiliations include membership in the National Medical Society, the American Association of Physician Leadership, and the American Health Information Management Association.

Dr. Polk’s compassion and commitment to youth are demonstrated not only in his professional medical services but also in his personal life, where he serves as a father and mentor to many young people in the community. His dedication to community service is an inspiration and a testament to his character. He currently resides in Detroit.