UnityPoint Health Clinical Leaders Named Becker’s ‘CMOs to Know’

UnityPoint Health is proud to announce two physician leaders have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual “Hospital and Health System Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to Know” list for 2026.

Gregory Johnson, MD, UnityPoint Health CMO and Dustin Arnold, DO, CMO, for UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids were both included in Becker’s annual list. Pam Wetzel, MD, retired UnityPoint Health – Meriter CMO also was recognized. Becker’s developed the list based on nominations and editorial research.

“I congratulate both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Arnold on this recognition, as well as retired Dr. Wetzel. said UnityPoint Health Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Brown. “Their leadership and dedication to providing exceptional experiences for our patients, team members, and communities is amazing.”

Find more details on the recognized UnityPoint Health clinical leaders below.

Greg Johnson, MD, UnityPoint Health SVP and System CMO (West Des Moines, Iowa)

As CMO for UnityPoint Health, Dr. Johnson leads initiatives in quality of care, patient experience, safety and service line development across the organization’s three-state system. He has played a crucial role in advancing sepsis care, leading a multidisciplinary team that implemented systemwide efficiencies and evidence-based practices, reducing sepsis mortality, disease progression and readmissions. Under his leadership, the organization improved patient outcomes, including a reduction in length of stay. Dr. Johnson is a fellow of several medical societies and serves on the board of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines.

Dustin Arnold, DO, CMO for UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

Dr. Arnold has served as CMO for UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids since 2012. He first joined the hospital in 2006 as medical director for the hospitalist program, then became chief medical information officer in 2011. In his current role, he leads and supports medical staff while overseeing clinical operations to ensure quality of care and patient satisfaction. He also serves as associate medical director of hospital-based providers. In addition, he is president of the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association and vice chair of the Linn County Board of Health.

Pam Wetzel, MD, Retired CMO for UnityPoint Health – Meriter (Madison, Wis.)

Before retiring in 2025, Dr. Wetzel was responsible for the oversight of clinical quality, patient satisfaction and safety strategies, and medical staff relations. She also oversaw provider credentialing and acted as the primary liaison between Meriter medical staff members and administration, as well as the larger provider community in South-Central Wisconsin. Dr. Wetzel had a significant hand in the joint operating agreement with Madison, Wis.-based UW Health, working with cross-functional teams to increase access and improve local community health.