Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon has named Rakesh (Raki) Pai, M.D., M.B.A, as its executive medical director. Based in Portland, Dr. Pai will lead Regence’s medical cost stewardship activities, driving health care cost affordability initiatives and engaging key employers and providers to enhance the quality of care for members.
Dr. Pai has an extensive clinical and leadership background, and joins Regence from Providence Health Plan where he served as the Medical Director of Population Health Management. Previously, Dr. Pai was a cardiologist in Boise, Idaho and Reno, Nevada. He holds certifications in clinical cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular disease.
“Raki has a clear passion and commitment to health care transformation and innovation,” said Angela Dowling, president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. “His in-depth understanding of health care in Oregon and strong community ties will be valuable assets in helping us creating more affordable, transparent and effective care for consumers and employers.”
“As we continue to collaborate with providers to create value-based care arrangements, I’m confident that Raki will be a strong advocate for quality and affordability on behalf of our members,” said Richard Popiel, M.D., chief medical officer and executive vice president for Health Care Services at Regence.
Dr. Pai received his medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and his masters of business administration from the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business. In addition, he is currently enrolled in a master’s program for Health Care Delivery Service at Dartmouth College. Active in professional and civic organizations, Dr. Pai serves on the Board of Trustees for the Oregon Medical Association.
About Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, headquartered in Portland, has been serving Oregonians since 1941 and now provides approximately 750,000 members with comprehensive health insurance solutions. As a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers nationwide experience health care. For more information, please visit regence.com, facebook.com/regencebluecrossblueshield, or twitter.com/regenceoregon.