Jody Prather, MD

Jody Prather, MD, is Chief Strategy and Marketing officer for Baptist Health. In this role, he works alongside other members of the executive team to develop strategic initiatives for business development, growth, strategic partnerships and innovation for the nine-hospital health system and its network of providers. In addition, he oversees Baptist Health’s marketing and communications strategies, including digital engagement, advertising, public relations and internal communications.

Born and raised in Hardin County, Dr. Prather began his career in private practice in family medicine in Elizabethtown. He joined Hardin Memorial Health, which was managed by Baptist at that time, as vice president and chief medical officer in 2010.

Following that position, Dr. Prather was named vice president and chief medical officer for Baptist Health, serving as the system’s first chief medical officer. He rejoined Hardin Memorial as vice president for population health and chief medical officer for Hardin Memorial Health Medical Group in 2013, assuming additional responsibilities as chief strategy officer in 2017.

Since assuming the system role in 2018, Dr. Prather has led the system through significant growth focused on expanding access to medical care, adding advanced technology, and meeting the distinctive health needs of each of Baptist Health’s communities.

This growth encompasses:
• The addition of three hospitals.
• A $1 billion expansion plan that includes major capital investments in every market.
• The creation of a new Central Pharmacy Services Center and planned growth in Oldham County.
• The enhancement of the system’s immediate and convenient care options, including hospital emergency department
renovations; new, free-standing ER/urgent care centers; and the expansion of virtual care and telehealth.
• Unprecedented provider growth and updates to Baptist Health Medical Group physician practices.
• The creation of a central Patient Connection Hub that connects patients to Baptist Health services through one
toll-free number.
• Enhanced partnerships with employers, post-acute care facilities, and social services organizations within our communities.

Dr. Prather attended Centre College and earned a medical degree from the University of Louisville. He completed his residency with the Trover Clinic/Regional Medical Center Family Medicine Program, now affiliated with Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville.

He has received multiple awards, including being named as one of Hardin County Schools’ Distinguished Alumni, one of Louisville Business First’s “40 Under 40,” and a Partners in Health Care “Person to Watch.” He has served on the boards of the University of Louisville, Hardin County Health Department, Central Kentucky Community Foundation, and the Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation.

Dr. Prather, and his wife Missy have three children.