Long-time family practice physician Richard (Dick) Bercher, M.D. and cardiologist Arjumand (A.J.) Hashmi, M.D. have been named to key leadership posts at Paris Regional Medical Center, according to interim hospital CEO Richard E. Salerno. Bercher becomes the new Chief Medical Officer and Hashmi now serves as the Medical Director for Cardiology.

“It is the hospital’s philosophy to work closely with our physicians,” said Salerno. Drs. Bercher and Hashmi are key liaisons in their respective roles which provide valued insight from the Medical Staff to hospital leadership. “Together we work to address the quality of care, customer service and strengthen the relationship with our Medical Staff,” Salerno added.

Dr. Bercher replaces Dr. Larry Love who has served in a similar capacity for the past five years and Dr. Hashmi moves into his role as Dr. Shafiq, former Cardiology Medical Director, was named Chief of Staff.

Joining the Paris medical community in 1970, Dr. Bercher has served on virtually on every medical staff standing committee and has served twice as the Chief of Staff, first in 1979 and then later in 2000. He received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine. His internship took place at St. John Medical Center, Tulsa, OK and residency requirements at Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette, LA.

“I enthusiastically embrace the opportunities to work close with our excellent medical community and PRMC administration to offer appropriate, consistent and high quality medica services to our community,” Bercher noted.

Dr. Bercher and his wife, Sue, have two adult sons and three grandchildren.

“Both men bring strength into their new roles,” added Salerno. “Dr. Bercher has been a solid anchor for this medical community throughout his career and Dr. Hashmi brings fresh ideas and vast knowledge in running an interventional cardiology program.

Dr. Hashmi relocated to Paris in February 2006 from Tampa, Florida where he has been in practice for the past 15 years. While in Tampa, he served as the director of interventional cardiology at University Community Hospital and Pepin Heart and Vascular Institute. He also served as the cardiology section chief for the Points of Care Clinics in Tampa.

 A graduate of Dow Medical College, Dr. Hashmi completed his internship and residency training at Bridgeport, Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, an affiliate of Yale University School of Medicine and part of the Yale-New Haven Health System.

Dr. Hashmi holds dual certifications by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Hashmi and his wife, Rizma, have three sons age 15, 14 and 5.

Salerno also expressed his appreciation for the key roles and commitment members of the PRMC Medical Staff exec committee have to the institution. Serving are: Khalid Shafiq, M.D., President;  J. Michael Kerley, M.D., President Elect/Secretary; Linda Ball, D.O.,  Chairman, Medicine Department; Gregory Green, M.D., Chairman, Surgery Department; Rafael Marrero, M.D. and Clifton Wilkerson, M.D.,  Members “At-Large”;  Gordon B. Strom, Jr., M.D., Immediate Past President; Dr. Bercher, Chief Medical Officer, Ex Officio member.