Stephen T. Michaels, MD, FACHE, FAAOS, has served as president of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and senior vice president, MedStar Health, since February 2022.
Dr. Michaels has dedicated his career to improving the health of patients and communities. He practiced orthopaedic surgery in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties for 19 years before transitioning to healthcare leadership in 2011. Prior to becoming president of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, he served as vice president of Medical Affairs for MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, and later as chief operating and medical officer at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. Throughout his leadership career, he has championed initiatives focused on clinical quality, patient safety, operational excellence, physician engagement, and improving access to care.
As president, Dr. Michaels provides strategic and operational leadership for MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, advancing initiatives that strengthen quality, patient safety, workforce engagement, and access to care. Guided by a collaborative leadership style, he believes the best ideas come from listening to associates, physicians, patients, and the community. Under his leadership, the hospital has invested in advanced medical technology, expanded key clinical services, renovated patient care areas, recruited top physician talent, and achieved sustained improvements in quality and patient safety.
The hospital has earned numerous national recognitions during his tenure, including honors from U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, the American Heart Association, and the Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. In 2026, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center was named one of Becker’s 100 Great Community Hospitals, recognizing its commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible care close to home.
Dr. Michaels is equally committed to improving the health of the community beyond the hospital walls. Under his leadership, the hospital launched the PG Healthy Start Program, connecting expectant and new parents with education, resources, and support before, during, and after pregnancy. He also champions community initiatives such as the annual Community Baby Shower, which connects families with healthcare providers, community organizations, and essential resources they need during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Additionally, Dr. Michaels has served as a member of the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission’s Performance Measurement Workgroup since 2018 and on the Maryland Hospital Association’s Council on Clinical & Quality Issues since 2015. He was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of its Community Hospital CEOs to Know in both 2025 and 2026, honoring leaders who are advancing high-quality care, strengthening their organizations, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
He has been named an Honorary Commander of Joint Base Andrews and serves on the board of directors for the Prince George’s County Business Roundtable.
Dr. Michaels earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at SUNY Stony Brook and a fellowship in spine surgery at Rush University Hospital. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American College of Healthcare Executives.