Dr. Ted R. Vana, DO, MBA

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Delivering Excellence Across Generations, Dr. Vana’s Journey Reflects a Commitment to Evolving Healthcare Delivery with an Emphasis on Quality

Ted R. Vana, DO, MBA, has taken on the role of Medical Director at Guidewell Sanitas Medical Center, where he leads a diverse team in Hillsborough County. With a career spanning over two and a half decades in primary care and healthcare leadership, Dr. Vana’s rich background as a family physician and his tenure in executive posts uniquely positions him to drive excellence and assure quality in the delivery of healthcare.

Beginning his academic journey at Elizabethtown College, Dr. Vana earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1989. He matriculated to medical school that same year.  While he was enrolled in medical school, he pursued a Master of Business Administration Degree from Saint Joseph’s University, completing it between 1990 and 1992. In 1994, he earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. This solid educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his approach to healthcare.

His leadership career commenced as a board certified family physician in 1997.   In 1998 he joined the  UPMC Health System and worked his way through the leadership ranks within UPMC until 2008 where he served as Medical Director of Health Promotion and Wellness for the UPMC HealthPlan.  In this role, he directed clinical operations and developed innovative programs focused on employee health and wellness.  Dr. Vana further honed his skills at Jackson Health System, where he implemented groundbreaking initiatives, including an influenza vaccine program and a smoke-free campus initiative in partnership with the University of Miami.

In 2011, Dr. Vana transitioned to Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts as Executive Medical Director, where he provided direct patient care and oversaw healthcare policies and worked to improve clinical outcomes. His focus on reducing inappropriate opioid and antibiotic prescribing showcased his commitment to responsible healthcare delivery. His next role as Senior Regional Medical Director for Humana involved managing 17 facilities across a large territory of central and south Florida where he drove excellence and mentored Area Medical Directors to enhance their clinical and leadership capabilities.

After an enriching experience traveling internationally in 2018, Dr. Vana joined EnvisionRxOptions as a Utilization Review Medical Director.  At this Pharmacy Benefit Management company he successfully revamped the Medicare Part D review process, improving efficiency and assuring the right medications were being used for the right reason at the right time. Most recently, in 2022, he served as Regional Medical Director at ClareMedica Health Partners, overseeing care for Medicare Advantage patients and leading quality and staff development initiatives.

In his current role at Guidewell Sanitas Medical Center, Dr. Vana is committed to emphasizing value-based care while fostering a culture of kindness, trust, and collaboration among his team. He works closely with internal and external partners to ensure coordinated care management that aligns with the treating physician’s plan of care. His responsibilities also include guiding high quality patient centric value based care and population health services, all aimed at supporting Guidewell’s Quadruple Aim initiative.

Recognized for his dedication to healthcare excellence with several honors, Dr. Vana received both the Excellence Award from TakeCare Health and the Best of Best in Patient Engagement from the Florida Health Care Coalition in 2012. The following year, in 2013, he earned the Outstanding Service Award from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, as well as the Living Cultural Beliefs – Loving Customers Award from TakeCare Health, highlighting his commitment to exceptional patient care.

As Dr. Ted R. Vana embarks on his journey at Guidewell Sanitas Medical Center, he remains focused on enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, driven by his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to service excellence.

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