DOTHAN | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
Southeast Health has announced the appointment of Dr. Walter C. Young as interim Chief Medical Officer, bringing a longtime and respected leader back into an executive role with the health system.
Dr. Young is a well-known figure in the Dothan medical community, having practiced obstetrics and gynecology for nearly four decades before retiring from clinical practice in 2023. His career reflects decades of service to patients throughout the Wiregrass, as well as significant leadership within the region’s healthcare system.
During his career, Dr. Young held multiple leadership positions at Southeast Health, including serving as president of the Houston County Medical Society and president of the Southeast Health Medical Staff. He also served nearly 20 years on the Houston County Health Care Authority, from 2005 until 2024.
In his role as interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Young will oversee clinical quality initiatives, patient safety efforts, and medical staff engagement across the health system.
Dr. Young earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, and his obstetrics and gynecology residency at the National Naval Medical Center, also known as Bethesda Naval Hospital. In addition, he served 12 years in the United States Navy, including seven years at Naval Hospital Pensacola.
Southeast Health is a community-based academic health system serving southeast Alabama, southwest Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. The system includes the region’s largest not-for-profit hospital, along with its Medical Group, Foundation, Statera Network, and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Southeast Health Medical Center is a 420-bed regional referral facility and is designated as a Level II Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Chest Pain Center, and home to the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a dedicated pediatric unit.
