In the vast world of healthcare, some individuals stand out for their remarkable achievements and influence. These are the leaders who have made significant contributions, shaping the way we approach medicine and wellness. From pioneering researchers to innovative executives, each of these luminaries has left an indelible mark on the field, driving progress and inspiring others along the way. In this post, we take a closer look at the lives and legacies of these extraordinary figures, exploring how their work has transformed healthcare for the better.

Dr. J. Nwando Olayiwola, MD, MPH, FAAFP is a globally recognized family physician and champion of health equity. Renowned for her expertise in healthcare transformation, technology and innovation, and improving health disparities, Dr. Nwando is a prominent figure in shaping the future of primary care and public health.

Undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition/Pre-Medicine from Ohio State University, Summa Cum Laude and with Distinction

Medical degree from Ohio State University/Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Master’s degree from Harvard School of Public Health

Completed residency training in family medicine at Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital

Certified Physician Executive (American College of Physician Executives)

Served as Chief Medical Officer of Community Health Center, Inc. (CHCI), leading transformation of primary care practices into patient-centered medical homes.

Pioneered the use of technology to improve access to care for underserved populations.

Expertise in health systems reform, practice transformation, health information technology, and primary care redesign.

Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellow in Minority Health Policy

Excellence in Medicine Leadership Award from the American Medical Association

Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians

Emerging Leaders Award from the Family Medicine Education Consortium and the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine

William Oxley Thompson Award for Early Career Achievement from Ohio State University 

Alumni Association

Top 40 Physicians Under 40 by the National Medical Association

Early Career Achievement Award from Ohio State University College of Medicine

Selected as one of thirty UCSF Young Innovators

Marshall Memorial Fellow by the German Marshall Fund

Harvard School of Public Health’s Emerging Public Health Professional Award

www.seemaverma.us

www.fiercehealthcare.com

Seema Verma is a seasoned healthcare executive and former administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the Donald Trump administration. She is currently a General Manager and EVP at Oracle Corporation. Verma is known for her significant impact on healthcare policy and management, overseeing programs that serve over 140 million Americans and managing a budget of $1.3 trillion.

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park (1993)

Master of Public Health with a concentration in health policy and management from the 

Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (1996)

Implemented strategic initiatives such as Patients Over Paperwork, Advancing Interoperability, and Price Transparency, resulting in reduced regulatory burden and billions of dollars in savings for the healthcare system.

Led efforts to accelerate value-based care transformation, address social determinants of health, and drive telehealth adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ranked #16 in Modern Healthcare’s “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” in 2020 and #1 in 2019

Named one of the nation’s “Top 25 Women Leaders in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare (2019)

Received the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Federal Leadership Award (2019) and the John C. Render Award for Health Policy from the Indiana Hospital Association (2019)

Recognized as a Politico Top 50 Leader (2017) and received the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor (2015)