MercyOne chief clinical officer named one of Becker’s Medical Officers to Know for 2026
April 21, 2026MercyOne is proud to announce chief clinical officer Dr. Hijinio Carreon has been named one of Becker's Hospital Review’s ‘Hospital and Health System Medical Officers To Know’ for 2026.
Becker's Healthcare is a leading source of business, legal, and clinical news for the healthcare industry.
According to Becker’s, “these physician executives are instrumental in elevating patient safety, upholding rigorous quality standards, strengthening collaboration between executive leadership and medical staff, and guiding risk management efforts.”
Dr. Carreon serves as chief clinical officer for MercyOne Medical Center, providing executive leadership across quality and safety, risk and accreditation, pharmacy, graduate medical education, physician advisor programs, and member experience within a multi-market integrated health system.
He drives the implementation of strategic performance initiatives focused on reducing serious safety events, strengthening workplace safety, advancing health equity, and optimizing the 340B (drug pricing program) program to support underserved communities. He has led governance alignment and the unification of medical staff bylaws, while supporting digital integration across thousands of colleagues and millions of annual patient encounters.
Carreon’s leadership emphasizes high reliability, fiscal stewardship, and Lean-informed redesign to enhance both operational sustainability and compassionate care. An emergency physician by training, he brings a deeply personal commitment to equity and access, extending his influence through board service with Proteus and other community organizations.
“The progress highlighted in this recognition reflects coordinated efforts across MercyOne — from clinical teams to quality, pharmacy, operations and community partners,” said Carreon. “Together we will continue to advance reliability, access and outcomes for the people and communities we serve.”
Carreon began his career with MercyOne in 2007 as an emergency physician at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and served as chief medical officer of MercyOne’s Central Iowa region before being appointed chief clinical officer and senior vice president of the health system in May 2021.
Carreon is a graduate of Drake University. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center (DMU).
He acquired an Executive Master of Business Administration at the University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business in 2020.
