NATCHEZ — Merit Health Natchez hosted a Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce Chamber After Hours event Thursday to welcome the hospital’s new CEO and several new physicians.

CEO Lance Boyd, radiation oncologist Dr. Jose Barba, interventional pain management specialist Dr. Miguel Figueroa, gastroenterologist Dr. Kellen Jex, orthopedist Dr. Thesselon Monderson and family medical nurse practitioner Kristin Foster were all introduced to what Merit Health Natchez Director of Marketing Kay Ketchings said was more than 100 people.

“There was a constant flow of people,” Ketchings said.

The event allowed community members to shake hands with the hospital’s new staff and even offer suggestions on how to improve the hospital, Boyd said.

Although Boyd said the turnout was a bit overwhelming, in a good way, he was not surprised.

“The Natchez community is very supportive of Merit Health,” Boyd said. “I can tell the community is excited about these hires, and we here at Merit Health are entering an exciting time period.”

Boyd said he looks forward to meeting more community members in the coming months.