Ronald L. Copeland, MD, FACS, is senior vice president and chief equity, inclusion, and diversity officer for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Hospitals
Through collaboration across Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Copeland leads enterprise efforts that support the organization’s mission and value-based care model. His work advances inclusive practices that help Kaiser Permanente deliver high quality, affordable care while improving health outcomes for members and the communities it serves.
Dr. Copeland oversees enterprise strategies that strengthen inclusive workforce engagement, promote inclusive practices in care delivery, and deepen community partnerships. Drawing on experience in medicine and healthcare leadership, he leads initiatives that expand access to care and support better health outcomes for members and communities.
A recognized leader in efforts to improve health equity, Dr. Copeland contributes to national conversations on strengthening healthcare access, improving outcomes, and deepening partnerships between health systems and the communities they serve.
Dr. Copeland has built a distinguished career spanning clinical medicine and healthcare leadership. A board-certified general surgeon, he joined Kaiser Permanente in 1988 following six years of honorable service in the United States Air Force Medical Corps.
Prior to assuming his current role in 2012, Dr. Copeland served as President and Executive Medical Director of the Ohio Permanente Medical Group. During his tenure, the Ohio Center for Excellence for Culturally Competent Care was established and gained national recognition for advancing healthcare practices that improve access and health outcomes.
Dr. Copeland’s commitment to improving health outcomes and strengthening communities extends beyond Kaiser Permanente. He serves on the boards of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, the National Organization on Disability, and the Center for Healthcare Innovation.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his residency in general surgery at SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York and later attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Dr. Copeland has received numerous honors recognizing his leadership in healthcare and health equity, including recognition from Diversity & Leadership, Inc. and Modern Healthcare.