Dr. Richard Friedman has been selected to be North Valley Hospital's new chief of staff. He succeeds Dr. Mirna Bowden.

"I'm excited to be a new voice for the medical staff and on the Hospital Board of Directors," Friedman said. "The North Valley Hospital board and administration work cohesively with the medical staff to support initiatives that result in the progressive, high level care at North Valley Hospital."

Friedman will continue as medical director of the hospital's Department of Radiology. His goals include completing a planned "mobile nuclear medicine" concept and implementing electronic medical records.

Friedman moved here from Phoenix, Ariz., with his wife and three children about eight years ago. He enjoys road cycling, hiking, backpacking, photography, scuba diving, fishing and traveling. He has been a board member and past president of Bet Harim and volunteers at Samaritan House and Faith Alliance Community Kitchen.