Pharmacist CEO: Hospital Birthplace to Leadership – Becker’s
Paula Bell, PharmD, the new CEO of Henry County Medical Center, is leading the charge to expand healthcare services, as reported first by news Directory 3. This marks a significant shift for Bell, who transitions from her pharmacy leadership role. With a deep connection to the community, born at the hospital, she prioritizes improvements in cardiology and OB services, leveraging her clinical background to enhance patient care. Her strategy emphasizes efficient and cost-effective patient care, crucial for the hospital’s success. Her prior experience includes growing the pharmacy department and establishing a residency program. This leader plans to implement strategic growth initiatives, reinforcing her vision. Discover what’s next for this hometown healthcare advocate.
Paula bell Named CEO of Henry County Medical Center
Updated June 06, 2025
Paula bell, PharmD, recently became CEO of Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Tenn., after serving in pharmacy leadership. Bell, who was born at the hospital, brings a strong clinical background and deep connection to the community to her new role.
Bell said serving her hometown for the past 11 years has been the most satisfying experience of her career. she is the second generation in her family to work at Henry County Medical Center; her mother was a pharmacist and her uncle was an internal medicine provider there.
Bell sees the CEO position as a way to further expand healthcare services in the area. Her experience growing the pharmacy department, including the establishment of an accredited PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program, has prepared her for this leadership role. She credits the support of Henry County employees and West Tennessee healthcare for enabling the expansion of healthcare services.
Bell believes her clinical background is crucial for an administrator. Her progression from clinical pharmacist to pharmacy director has provided her with valuable clinical and administrative experience. She emphasized the importance of efficient and cost-effective patient care, as well as building strong, respectful relationships with her team.
Serving my hometown for the last 11 years has given me the most job satisfaction I have ever had in my career. I wanted to have the ability of a system to continue to help patients in my hometown.
Paula Bell, PharmD, CEO, Henry County medical Center
Bell’s priorities for Henry County Medical Center include expanding cardiology services, recruiting more nurses to increase patient census, and reinstating OB services to regain 340B status. She believes clinical services are essential to the hospital’s success, with every department playing a role in patient care, community interaction, and financial stability.
Reflecting on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bell emphasized the importance of listening to people’s concerns and not allowing negativity to influence decision-making. She also highlighted the fulfillment she found in building the residency program.
Bell advises pharmacists and clinical leaders aspiring to executive roles to actively lead and serve within their organizations. She stresses the importance of servant leadership and remembering the initial motivation for working in healthcare. While her role has changed, she remains committed to helping patients in a different capacity.
What’s next
Bell plans to focus on strategic growth and enhanced patient care at Henry County Medical Center,leveraging her experience in pharmacy leadership and her deep roots in the community to drive positive change.