The Waitaki District Council-controlled company officially announced Dr Pragati Gautama had taken on the role, effective last month.
She will move into the role full time from January 28.
Dr Gautama will be involved in implementing changes at the hospital, including the shift from a specialist to a rural generalist health model.
The shift was one of the recommendations included in a joint review of hospital services, that also involved the Southern District Health Board and was implemented from last year.
The hospital aimed to recruit doctors with four-year post graduate study in rural health medicine, instead of doctors who specialised in one area.
Dr Gautama said that would ‘‘be a challenge’’ — one she welcomed, given her extensive background in rural medicine.
Mr Swann said securing her services was a coup for the hospital.
At present, the hospital used its own staff, locums and some part-time doctors to fill its roster.
The aim is to fill the roster with doctors employed by the hospital. Her appointment, and contacts, would help that process, Mr Swann said.
Dr Gautama has worked at Dunstan and Balclutha hospitals, the Cromwell Medical Centre and Central Otago Community Hospice.
She has lectured at the University of Otago, is South Island clinical leader for the Division of Rural Health Medicine New Zealand, rural medical health adviser to the Health and Disability Commissioner, a member of the Institute of Directors, a board member of the Rural Chapter Of College of General Practitioners, and a board member of the Southern Cancer Network.
