Dollar General, a discount retailer with more than 17,000 stores, is stepping into the healthcare space by adding more health-related products and hiring a chief medical officer.
Albert Wu, MD, was appointed CMO and vice president—the first ever such position for the retailer. In this new role, Wu will help develop DG’s new healthcare services efforts, as well as strengthen new and existing healthcare product and service providers with the aim of building a network of affordable services for DG customers.
“We’re excited to welcome Albert to our team and to put a greater emphasis on wellness in the communities we serve,” Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO, said in a statement. “His impressive experience brings a unique perspective to our operations and will be critical as we look to develop our healthcare services offering.”
Wu previously worked for McKinsey & Company and also trained as an anesthesiologist.
Approximately 75% of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a Dollar General store, according to the company, making it a key retailer in many communities.
Among the products DG is adding are an increased assortment of cough and cold, dental, nutritional, medical, health aids and feminine hygiene products.
“At Dollar General, we are always looking for new ways to serve, and our customers have told us that they would like to see increased access to affordable healthcare products and services in their communities,” Vasos said. “Our goal is to build and enhance affordable healthcare offerings for our customers, especially in the rural communities we serve.”
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."