The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) has proudly announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Ashton as the new Chief of Infectious Diseases and Leader of their Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). Dr. Ashton is no stranger to BHB, having formerly headed up their department as Chief of Medicine from 2016 to 2023 before transitioning to private practice, all the while maintaining his involvement as an infectious diseases consultant with BHB. This new full-time role signifies his grand return to the BHB.
BHB’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Anna Neilson-Williams, expressed the organization’s excitement in welcoming back Dr. Ashton on a full-time basis. Her joy stems largely from Dr. Ashton’s pivotal role as the Director of Infectious Diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic when he successfully led both the hospital and community through an arduous and unpredictable period.
In his capacity as the Chief of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Ashton will oversee all matters related to infectious diseases and epidemiology, ranging from preparing for potential future pandemics to mitigating clinical risks linked with infectious diseases. Moreover, he is charged with implementing infection prevention and control measures across BHB hospitals, aiming to minimize the issues associated with healthcare-associated infections.
Alongside his infectious diseases specialization, Dr. Ashton will also chair the BHB’s Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), a vital service that supports patients with complex chronic diseases. Most patients who utilize PCMH services suffer from multiple chronic conditions and often lack proper insurance coverage. With Dr. Ashton’s leadership, the PCMH aims to aid these individuals in better managing their conditions, thereby enhancing their quality of life and reducing dependency on acute care beds and the Emergency Department.
The CEO of BHB, Scott Pearman, acknowledged the real and present threat of another pandemic, expressing confidence in Dr. Ashton’s expertise to guide the institution in preparing adequately. Pearman highlighted how crucial Dr. Ashton’s leadership will be in not only fortifying the PCMH’s capacity to support some of their most vulnerable patients, but also helping inspire a fresh generation of Bermudian healthcare workers.
Entering BHB in November 2011 as an infectious diseases specialist and hospital epidemiologist, Dr. Ashton holds several qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science in Premed and Psychology from McGill University and a medical degree from the University of Vermont. His medical intern and residency stints were fulfilled at Yale New Haven Hospital, followed by a fellowship in infectious diseases and hospital epidemiology.
Source: https://bernews.com/2025/09/bhb-appoints-dr-michael-ashton-new-role/