Lewisville, Texas-based Adeptus Health, a healthcare provider that specializes in free-standing emergency rooms, named a new chief medical officer as it continues to expand its national footprint.

Ricardo Martinez, who has practiced clinical medicine for more than 30 years in business, academia and government, was appointed Adeptus’ chief medical offer today, according to a statement from the health system.

"As we continue to grow and build partnerships with premier healthcare systems throughout the U.S., now is the time to add a clinical leader of Dr. Martinez's caliber to ensure we maintain the highest clinical standards," said Thomas S. Hall, chairman and CEO of Adeptus Health, in a statement.

Martinez, who also currently is a faculty member at Emory University’s School of Medicine, was the chief medical officer at Atlanta-based North Highland Worldwide Consulting before joining Adeptus. He also held executive positions at Schumacher Clinical Partners, an emergency medicine practice company based out of Lafayette, La., and served as the federal administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, he has worked as a medical advisor to the National Football League since 1988, providing care at the Super Bowl.

Martinez received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and was chief resident in his residency program at LSU-Charity Hospital in New Orleans.