Derek Chao, MD, is a physician, healthcare executive, and a nationally recognized leader in value-based care strategy. With over two decades of success in developing innovative programs that improve quality, lower total cost of care, and enable patients to live healthier lives, Dr. Chao is at the forefront of redefining healthcare in the United States.
In his current role as President and CEO of Optum West, Dr. Chao oversees the growth and operations in 10 states that comprise Optum Care West. As the largest region in the Optum nationwide network, he is responsible for the experience of 25,000 physicians, 2.6 million patients and more than 11,000 employees. Under his leadership, Optum received the Best Medical Provider in the Southland designation by readers of the L.A. Times, Top Doc status for hundreds of Optum Washington clinicians by Seattle Metropolitan and Seattle magazines, and numerous quality awards across the region.
Most recently, Dr. Chao served as Chief Medical Officer for Optum Pacific West, leading the clinical team of one of the nation’s largest multi-specialty integrated care organizations. In this role he led clinical strategy, quality, affordability, risk adjustment, network strategy and provider experience, in addition to all clinical programs and teams.