Nari Heshmati, MD, former executive medical director for Optum Washington, has joined Fort Myers, Fla.-based Lee Health's Physician Group as chief physician executive, Dr. Heshmati shared with Becker's.
A Florida native, Dr. Heshmati told Becker's he chose the role in an effort to be closer to family after serving in various leadership roles for Optum and The Everett (Wash.) Clinic, which was purchased by Optum in 2019.
Prior to Optum, Dr. Heshmati worked at The Everett Clinic for more than 12 years as the senior regional medical director, associate medical director and chair of surgery.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," he told Becker's. "This is a major system that serves as a safety net for Southwest Florida, but on top of that has very advanced specialty services that they provide. I'm excited to continue to work to integrate those services and expand them out… There's so many opportunities for growth."
Lee Physician Group has 11,000 clinicians offering primary and specialty care.