AdventHealth Gordon and AdventHealth Murray are pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Wells, MD, as Chief Medical Officer, effective November 10.
Dr. Wells brings more than 20 years of experience in both military and civilian medicine, with board certifications in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine. His career has been defined by a commitment to compassionate care, clinical excellence, and innovative leadership. He most recently served in key leadership roles at Erlanger East in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Wells to AdventHealth,” said Justin Birmele, president and CEO of AdventHealth Gordon and AdventHealth Murray. “Dr. Wells’ leadership and commitment to providing quality care and delivering excellence align perfectly with our mission and how we care for our communities.”
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Dr. Wells served for 17 years, achieving the rank of Commander and holding leadership positions at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His time as a General Medical Officer in Afghanistan shaped his leadership approach, emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and grace under pressure.
In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Wells holds a Physician Executive MBA from the University of Tennessee. His capstone project focused on enhancing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) operations through Epic EHR optimization — a reflection of his passion for improving systems that support patient care.
“I am excited to join AdventHealth because its mission and values align closely with my own,” said Dr. Wells. “I have spent most of my career in military medicine, where purpose, service, and teamwork were central to everything we did. That strong sense of mission is what attracted me to AdventHealth, along with its commitment to quality, safety, and doing what is right for the patient. I am confident that my experience and leadership can make a meaningful impact in this organization.”
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Wells enjoys spending time with his wife, Holly, and their four children — with a fifth on the way. Whether cheering on his kids in sports and ballet, tackling home projects, or exploring his new hobby of woodworking, Dr. Wells brings the same curiosity and energy to his personal life that he does to his career. He is also an avid Clemson Tigers fan who enjoys golfing and spending time outdoors.
