Lee Health Appoints Duke Walker as Vice President of Operations for Musculoskeletal Medicine

(Fort Myers, Fla. – Aug. 3, 2023) --- Lee Health has selected experienced healthcare executive leader Duke Walker to serve as the new vice president of operations for musculoskeletal medicine throughout the health system.

Walker will work alongside Dr. Thomas Hunt, chief physician executive, in a dyad partnership to create and implement the vision and operations of musculoskeletal services to ensure high-value care and optimal patient access and experience. Lee Health musculoskeletal services include orthopedics, spine, neurosurgery, trauma, physical medicine, imaging and rehabilitation.

Walker joins Lee Health from Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he served as the interim chief operating officer. Previously, Walker was the vice president of operations at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana. He also served as the director of rehabilitation, spine and orthopedic services at HCA/Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimmee. 

“Duke Walker will play a key role in bringing to the forefront Lee Health’s commitment to wellness and value-based patient care in the area of orthopedics and associated disciplines. He has a proven track record of translating strategic priorities into strong and timely results. We know he will be a huge asset to Southwest Florida and help establish Lee Health as a destination for orthopedics,” said Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser, Lee Health’s chief medical officer.

Walker earned a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Management from King University, a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Central Arkansas.  He is also board certified in healthcare management as a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

Walker started his career as a physical therapist before transitioning into health system leadership.