New Medical Group CEO working on strategic plan

Published Saturday, March 22, 2008

John Peterson

After six weeks on the job, new Fergus Falls Medical Group CEO John Peterson is working closely with Lake Region Hospital to develop a joint strategic plan — one that will benefit both organizations.

“I’ve spent much of my time the past six weeks getting acquainted with physicians and staff at both Fergus Falls Medical Group and Lake Region Hospital,” Peterson said.

“Both organizations are very involved with physician recruitment.”

Peterson came to Fergus Falls after serving as CEO of Central Lakes Medical Clinic at Crosby, a community located northeast of Brainerd.

He is a Iowa native whose late father, Alvin Peterson, was raised in Fergus Falls. Peterson’s mother, Ione, currently resides in Battle Lake.

Peterson graduated with a B.A. degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and achieved his Masters in Hospital Administration from the University of Minnesota. He has over 25 years of experience in health care management.

Dr. Greg Smith, Fergus Falls Medical Group Board of Directors president, said his organization is pleased with the expertise that Peterson brings to the medical group.

“John has extensive experience in clinic management, financial discipline, physician recruitment and development of innovative clinical programs,” Smith said.

“His proven track record and well respected advancements in Minnesota health care operations will allow the Fergus Falls Medical Group to advance into the future to best serve the health care needs of our region.”

Peterson said he’s committed to be part of the medical group and, in cooperation with Lake Region Hospital, continuing a tradition of providing high quality health care services to residents in this area of west central Minnesota.

He and his wife, Diane, are parents of a daughter, Tana, who resides with her family at Waconia west of Minneapolis. The Petersons have three grandchildren.