James "Jamie" McCarthy, MD, MHA

Dr. McCarthy is the executive vice president and chief physician executive for Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas. In this role, he oversees the physician organization and advances Memorial Hermann’s goal of building a physician-centric, integrated network of care.

Before joining Memorial Hermann, Dr. McCarthy served as professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at McGovern Medical School. He was also the chief of emergency medical services for Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, home to the Red Duke Trauma Institute, the nation’s busiest Level I trauma center, as well as Memorial Hermann Life Flight, the system’s signature air ambulance service. Under his leadership, the department received regional and national recognition for excellence in trauma and cardiac care.

Dr. McCarthy earned his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency in emergency medicine at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He is board certified in emergency medicine and emergency medical services.

A dedicated advocate for emergency services at the local and state levels, Dr. McCarthy is a member of the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council, where he co-chairs the Cardiac Care Committee. He also chairs the Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council’s Cardiac Care Committee under the Texas Department of State Health Services. In addition to his professional commitments, he serves as EMS medical director for the West University Place Fire Department and as an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant for the National Football League.

Dr. McCarthy was recognized on Becker's Hospital Review's list of “Chief Medical Officers to Know” in both 2024 and 2025 for his leadership in patient safety and quality care.