Samuel Pieh was named CEO of Baptist Health Memorial Hospital-Crittenden in 2023. He started his career as a physical therapist with Baptist Memorial Health Care in 2006. He was a director of rehab before opening his own rehabilitation clinic, which he later sold to join Tenet Healthcare. Most recently, Pieh served as the COO for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis during the pandemic.
Pieh earned an MBA from Union University, a master’s in physical therapy from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, and a doctorate in physical therapy from Temple University.
What needs to be done to improve health care in the Delta?
There are many things, but I believe attracting strong business partners to our community is the most important. Business development can help businesses expand, provide jobs and improve health care. When businesses open, they offer a level of health care coverage for employees, granting more options and access for health care services in our community. This attracts more providers and supports more sustainable services for our communities.
What’s your biggest concern for your hospital for 2025?
My No. 1 concern is the same as for most health care leaders — recruiting and retaining clinical staff. There is a decreased pool of candidates due to experienced staff retiring and fewer students graduating from health-related programs. My other concerns include access to resources, services for mental health and addiction, and patients inappropriately using the emergency department as primary care clinics because of limited access to timely care. I am working with my team and our corporate office to address these issues. One of the ways our system is working to address the access issue is by offering a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
You are one of the very few non-white hospital CEOs in Arkansas. How can the health care industry increase representation in executive leadership? And why should that be a priority?
There are many ways, but I believe exposure and mentorship are key. People tend to pursue careers they have been exposed to, and successful health care outcomes are significantly influenced by trust. Patients are more compliant with providers who understand their culture, values and lived experiences. This is where perspective takes center stage. Having diverse perspectives allows for more effective strategies for our mission of healing, teaching and preaching.
What would you like to see national leaders do to make care more affordable and efficient?
Health care is one of the most regulated industries. Telehealth has provided us with a great tool to help facilitate care. It would be a game changer if we could maximize this tool to help enhance care in those areas that need it most. From rural to urban areas, telehealth is not a single solution but should be part of a comprehensive care approach.
Sign up for Daily E-news
![Arkansas Tech University seniors Mandy Hughes and Cogan Hester have navigated college without student loans. [Daniel Moody]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DHM_1421_opt-150x150.jpg)
![Northark President Rick Massengale with a map of all campuses affiliated with the University of Arkansas System. [PHOTO provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Rick_Massengale_opt-150x150.jpg)
