A Nigerian-born medical doctor, Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer of the UnitedHealth Group in the United States of America.
UnitedHealth Group is the largest health insurance company in the United States by net premiums, with market capitalisation of over $400.7 billion.
In this new position, Dr. Wilson is expected to oversee over 340,000 skilled medical experts and will lead the company’s clinical innovations, focusing particularly on improving health equity.
Dr. Wilson was admitted to the first medical school in West Africa, the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, in 1977 and graduated in 1983. After internship and youth service, she did postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, from 1985-1990.
She continued further training in United Kingdom from 1990 to 96 where she received her MRCP. She moved to the United States to continue her training in Internal Medicine at New York University Downtown Hospital from 1997 to 2000. She joined the faculty at St. Louis University School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor (2000-2005) and as an Associate Professor (2005-2006).
She joined the Gateway Medical Center at Granite City in Illinois as a Physician Advisor (2006-2008). In 2008, she joined the UnitedHealth Group as a Regional Medical Director.
Specifically, she focused on inpatient utilisation review, quality assurance, and cost-effective resource use. She coached facilities and providers on adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines to ensure rapid recovery and optimal outcome.
Dr. Wilson found she was passionate about the work she was doing. She quickly grew fond of her newfound career and delved deeply into it. To fully expand into this horizon, she enrolled in the Executive MBA (Health management) programme at the Western Governors University (2012-2013).
For over 13 years at the UnitedHealth Group, Dr. Wilson set her goals high. She spread her wings, aimed for the sky and soared like an eagle. She has been meticulously but pragmatically climbing the corporate ladder.
She has a vision for the UnitedHealth Group, which she succinctly summarised thus: “At UnitedHealth Group, we recognise that there continues to be opportunity to transform and modernise the health care system. That’s the reason we lean in heavily on sustainability as an extension of our business strategy, our culture, and our mission. We are committed to building what we think is critical, and that is a sustainable health care system that will provide distinct value to the people we serve.”
Dr. Wilson’s appointment as the head of UnitedHealth Group in USA, is a testament to her brilliance, hard work, diligence, perseverance, and constant zeal for excellence.
Despite dedication to her important work, she also makes time for her family. Dr. Wilson is married to Moji Solar-Wilson, a Nigerian-American New York State licensed real estate broker.
In a tribute by one of her friends, Dr. Abraham Ariyo, the Interventional Cardiologist, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Director, HeartMasters Cardiology, Dallas, Texas, he said: “My friend, Dr. Wilson, our country of Nigeria, the entire College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and the alumni salute you as one of our pioneers in your new field of endeavor as you continue to blaze the trail and conquer our human imagination.
“We wish you and your family continued success. We will continue to support you as you march forward on your remarkable journey.”