(Joplin, MO) – Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry announced on October 28, 2025, a key change to the Freeman leadership team, with Dr. Lee Harwell named Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Freeman Health System.
Dr. Harwell returned to Freeman in August to serve as Interim CMO, bringing with him more than 34 years of clinical and leadership experience. He was a member of the Freeman medical staff from 1998 to 2004, and again from 2005 to 2015, specializing in internal medicine.
“His steady guidance, deep understanding of healthcare operations, and commitment to excellence have already made a meaningful impact across our organization,” Fry said.
A key position within the health system, the CMO oversees clinical operations to ensure high-quality patient care as well as medical staff performance, with duties ranging from developing and implementing clinical policies to ensuring compliance with regulations.
“As we move forward, Dr. Harwell will continue to play a vital role in advancing our mission, supporting our providers, and ensuring the highest standards of care for the communities we serve,” Fry said.
Dr. Harwell earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri. He began his residency training in internal medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed his final year at MU. He launched his medical career in private practice, serving patients in Columbia, Missouri, and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, before joining Freeman Health System for the first time in 1998.
During his tenure, Dr. Harwell has held several key leadership roles, including Chief Medical Information Office/Medical Director, Director of Hospitalist Group, and Chair of the Division of Internal Medicine.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center — the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services — as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Reference:
Kevin McClintock, Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
417.434.3458
KSMcclintock@freemanhealth.com
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