ACPA Has Announced Their New President Elect

January 4, 2023 

The American College of Physician Advisors (ACPA) is pleased to announce Clarissa Barnes, MD as President Elect of their Board of Directors. 

Dr. Barnes is the Lead Physician Advisor in Clinical Documentation Integrity and Utilization Review for Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls, SD. She is also a system-level Physician Advisor for Avera Health. She is a Clinical Professor for the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine as well as a practicing internist and hospitalist. 

"Witnessing my visions for the College come to fruition with the collaborative determination and passion of our leadership has been extremely gratifying,” said ACPA President,  Juliet B. Ugarte Hopkins, MD. “A tremendous part of these goals has been the discovery, encouragement, and cultivation of new leaders and Dr. Barnes exemplifies our success beyond measure. Two years ago, I was proud to receive the honor of being entrusted with the success and evolution of the ACPA. Now, I am delighted and excited to pass the baton along to someone I consider a thoughtful and enthusiastic leader as well as a friend. " 

Dr. Barnes has previously been the Vice President of Member Engagement for the American College of Physician Advisors.  During her time as Vice President, the ACPA has seen significant membership growth and the highest number of members to date.  She has championed new ways to reach current and new members and managed the social media aspects of ACPA.  She will transition to President in the summer of 2023.  

“I am both humbled and excited by this opportunity,” said Dr. Barnes. “The emerging importance of physician advisors cannot be overstated, and I look forward to continuing our work to support our existing colleagues as well as welcome new colleagues to our ranks. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Ugarte Hopkins for her leadership and so proud to be a part of this Board and the greater physician advisor community.” 

About: 

The American College of Physician Advisors is the national organization dedicated to “promoting and expanding the prominent role of the Physician Advisor in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment through education, certification, mentorship and collaboration.”