For immediate release: April 28, 2011
Contact: Kevin Goddard  (802) 371-3244

Berlin – Robert R. Wheeler, M.D., who has been a leader in medical cost and quality management and health care reform in the Northwestern United States, has been appointed to serve as Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont. Dr. Wheeler was selected by Vermont’s largest health plan following an extensive recruitment process.

Dr. Wheeler received his M.D. degree from the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, with clinical training at San Francisco General Hospital and at the University of California at San Francisco Hospitals and Clinics. His practice experience includes twelve years in Cottage Grove, Oregon, where he developed a group practice, directed the hospital intensive care unit, and served as Chief of Staff and as a member of the Hospital Board of Directors. Subsequently, he served as Medical Director and as Chief Medical Officer for physician organizations and health plans in Oregon before moving to Utah where he currently is Executive Medical Director for Regence BlueCross BlueShield.

With a special interest in health care system improvement, Dr. Wheeler was a founding Board member of the Oregon Health Care Quality Corporation and currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Utah Partnership for Value-Driven Health Care. He conducted a randomized trial of ways to improve asthma care, founded the not for profit Health Policy Research Northwest, chaired the Oregon Health Plan Medical Directors Committee, led development of a data warehouse, and piloted use of electronic medical records and electronic prescribing systems.

“I am particularly pleased, during this time of great challenge and change, to be adding a company leader with Dr. Wheeler’s extensive experience and commitment to Vermont’s health care reforms and to the value our company will bring to Vermont’s future health care system,” said Don George, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont.

“He will be a tremendous asset, not only to BCBSVT but to our customers, members and to Vermont’s health policy makers and leaders.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the state’s only Vermont-based health insurer and is the largest private health plan in Vermont.  The non-profit company employs more than 340 people and provides health care benefits for more than 150,000 Vermonters.  The company offers benefits and services to virtually all Vermont populations through its array of products and through its partner companies, The Vermont Health Plan (TVHP) and Comprehensive Benefits Administrators. More information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is available on the Internet at www.bcbsvt.com.   Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.