We’re excited to announce that Melanie Thompson, DO, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Marin Community Clinics.
Dr. Thompson, a family medicine physician, was appointed in early January. Joining the organization in 2015, she has provided excellent and compassionate patient care throughout her years of service with the Clinics, and her robust experience includes serving as the organization’s Site Director, Regional Medical Director, and most recently Associate Chief Medical Officer. As CMO, Dr. Thompson will oversee all clinical staff and specialists, as well as the Quality Assurance & Improvement Department. She succeeds José Chibrás, MD, who is stepping into a new role as Medical Director of Strategic Projects.
“Dr. Thompson has been instrumental in advancing our care for our patients and families, and her outstanding leadership within the clinics has led to this promotion,” explained CEO Mitesh Popat, MD, MPH. “She has taken a lead role in our ongoing COVID-19 response, has a tremendous track-record of success, and a passion for the work we do in caring for this community.”
These moves come as part of our overall growth strategy to improve access to care while bolstering our overall impact, with 2022 expansion plans underway in response to the burgeoning demand for health care services locally.
“I am most happy that Dr. Chibras will continue in a new role within the organization,” said Popat. “In his 4+ years as CMO, he has helped lead the Clinics’ pandemic response, led provider recruitment and retention efforts, and has achieved excellent performance on quality measures.”
Dr. Thompson has a special interest in obesity prevention in both pediatrics and adults, approaching her patients as partners, and working with them to take an active role in achieving better overall health. She received her degree from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed a residency in Family Medicine at the University of California San Francisco. She recently completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training and hopes to offer a community class soon.
Dr. Thompson’s priorities involve focusing on provider well-being and re-focusing attention to preventative care for Clinics patients – including integrating COVID-19 care and prevention measures into standard primary care procedures. “It’s been an incredibly difficult two years for our teams, who were not only navigating their own difficulties with the pandemic, but having to navigate the added layers of the various economic and social conditions that influence the health status of our patients all at once,” explained Thompson.
Looking forward, Dr. Thompson is excited about building on the relationships developed as part of the overall community response to the pandemic, as well as Marin Community Clinics’ plans for growth. “Not only do we see this as an opportunity to improve access to care, but it will allow us to expand the types of services we offer. Whenever we expand service lines within our clinical settings, our patients really benefit.”
Congratulations to Dr. Thompson and thank you to Dr. Chibras for the significant accomplishments and continuing to serve our community.
50 Years of Touching Lives Through Health
Marin Community Clinics’ mission is to promote health and wellness through excellent, compassionate care for all. As a nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1972, we provide primary medical care, oral health, and behavioral health services to those that need us. Our work is made possible by generous gifts from community members like you. When giving to Marin Community Clinics, you’re improving the health of our patients and our community. Make a lasting impact and donate today!