ST. JOSEPH – Loren Hamel, MD, of Berrien Springs, has been announced as Lakeland HealthCare’s president and chief executive officer.

Dr. Hamel takes on the role following the retirement of Joseph Wasserman.

Dr. Hamel graduated with honors from Andrews University, before going on to the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California. He also holds the Masters in Health Services Administration degree from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

An experienced family physician, Dr. Hamel treated southwest Michigan residents for 23 years at University Medical Specialties in Berrien Springs.

In addition to seeing patients, he served Andrews University in a number of roles, including as a clinical professor, director of the university’s health services, and president of the alumni association.

At Lakeland HealthCare, Dr. Hamel became president of the medical staff in 1997, and two years later, was named vice president of medical affairs. In 2008, Dr. Hamel was appointed Executive Vice President for the organization, as part of a succession plan anticipating Joseph Wasserman’s retirement.

Dr. Hamel is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. He is active as a board member of Andrews University and the Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance.