UnityPoint Health announced on Mar. 12 that two of its physician leaders, Gregory Johnson, MD, and Dustin Arnold, DO, have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual “Hospital and Health System Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to Know” list for 2026. Pam Wetzel, MD, who retired as CMO from UnityPoint Health – Meriter in 2025, was also recognized.
The recognition highlights the leadership roles these physicians play in advancing quality care and patient experience within the organization. The list is developed by Becker’s based on nominations and editorial research.
Sarah Brown, Chief Nursing Officer at UnityPoint Health, said: “I congratulate both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Arnold on this recognition, as well as retired Dr. Wetzel. Their leadership and dedication to providing exceptional experiences for our patients, team members, and communities is amazing.”
Dr. Johnson serves as Senior Vice President and System CMO for UnityPoint Health in West Des Moines, Iowa. He leads initiatives focused on quality of care, patient experience, safety, and service line development across the organization’s three-state system. Under his leadership, a multidisciplinary team implemented systemwide efficiencies in sepsis care using evidence-based practices that reduced mortality rates and readmissions while improving patient outcomes such as length of stay.
Dr. Arnold has served as CMO for UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids since 2012 after joining the hospital in 2006 as medical director for the hospitalist program. He later became chief medical information officer before assuming his current role overseeing clinical operations to ensure quality of care and patient satisfaction. He also holds positions as president of the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association and vice chair of the Linn County Board of Health.
Dr. Wetzel was responsible for clinical quality oversight at UnityPoint Health – Meriter until her retirement in 2025. She played a key role in provider credentialing and acted as liaison between medical staff members and administration while contributing significantly to a joint operating agreement with UW Health aimed at increasing access to care in South-Central Wisconsin.
