World’s Transformational Healthcare Leaders Making A Footprint in 2024

Vol. 03 | Issue 14 | March 2024

World’s Transformational Healthcare
Leaders Making A Footprint in 2024
As the pandemic demonstrated, the difficulties have been
quite severe, but it was also because of these difficulties
that the globe was compelled to address the unaddressed
underlying healthcare issues. These significant
developments than any other sector in the last several
years, both positive and negative, have affected the
healthcare industry.
Healthcare has many difficulties, and improving
technology is not the only way to address them. It's also
critical to effectively address such issues at the local
level. Effective leadership is one of the many essential
components of changing the sector. Leadership in fields
such as healthcare requires not just innovative ideas but
also the will to see those ideas through to completion.
World's Leaders latest edition “World's
Transformational Healthcare Leaders Making A
Footprint in 2024” has featured healthcare leaders who
are making new paths of resilience and determination,
and transforming the whole sector.
The cover has Parth Shah, a highly motivated healthcare
professional with over 4 years of experience dedicated to
building innovative technology solutions that connect
human life with the healthcare ecosystem. Currently
serving as the VP of Product at AssureCare, he plays a
pivotal role in impacting the company's short and long-
term vision. His leadership spans across strategy,
analytics, innovation, and finance.
Parth's academic and professional journey has been
diverse and enriching. He holds a bachelor's degree in
Pharmacy, laying a robust foundation in healthcare and
pharmaceutical sciences. His interest in the intricate
mechanisms of life led him to pursue a master's degree in
Biology and Biochemistry, specializing in protein
synthesis. This intensive scientific study provided him
with a profound understanding of biological processes.
To bridge his scientific knowledge with business
acumen, Parth pursued an MBA, gaining a broad range
of skills in business management, strategy, and
leadership. Before joining AssureCare, he worked at a
startup in India, where he gained valuable insights into
business operations in a rapidly evolving market,
emphasizing innovation and adaptability.
Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to
read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff
and industry experts.
Serving the Humanity
Have a lovely read!

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Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez
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CREDIT PAGE
March 2024

Parth
Shah
08
Transforming Healthcare
through Integration,
Innovation, and Global
Expansion
Cover
Story

Advances in
Healthcare Evolution
Dr. Eric To
Haden A. Land
Thomas Pontinen
Miranda Yeager
The Changing Dynamics
in the Healthcare Sector
Dr. Pallavi Cherukupally
Haseeb Sajid
50
48
42
38
34
28
26
22
18
Dr. Chuck Le

Dr. Chuck Le
Charting Excellence
in Dentistry
22 | March 2024

stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of
dentistry, and his journey is a testament to the pursuit
of the American Dream through dedication, effort, and
hard work. Immigrating to the United States in the
1970s, Dr. Le embarked on a remarkable educational
journey that laid the foundation for his impactful
career.
After an intensive academic education in high school,
Dr. Le entered the renowned School of Dentistry at the
University of Southern California (USC). His
dedication and commitment were evident as he
participated in the first accelerated Doctorate of
Dentistry program. In 1989, after only six years, he
earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree,
marking the commencement of a distinguished career
that would blend expertise, continuous learning, and
community leadership.
Chuck Le
Dr.
24 | March 2024

Dr. Le's commitment to staying at the
forefront of odontological advances is
evident in his pursuit of continued
professional development and
education. His journey extended
beyond traditional education,
encompassing a three-year residency
program at Esthetic Professionals in
Woodland Hills from 2002 to 2005.
This program focused on esthetic
dentistry, showcasing Dr. Le's
dedication to mastering evolving
procedures and techniques in the dental
field.
Dr. Le's contributions extend beyond
clinical expertise to community
leadership. Recognized as a notable
business leader in the Anaheim
community, he received the Business
of the Year Award from the Anaheim
Chamber of Commerce in 2006. In
2010, Dr. Le was honored with the
Businessperson of the Year Award for
his outstanding business achievements
and notable contributions to society.
His professional memberships include
the American Academy of Cosmetic
Dentistry, the American Dental
Association, and the Orange County
Dental Society. Dr. Le has also
garnered recognition from Top Docs
L.A. for his outstanding achievements
in dentistry.
In the field of implantology, Dr. Le and
his wife, Dr. Chung, are poised to enter
their third year of residency at the
esteemed Boston Dental Institute's DII
Residency program, commencing in
January 2024. Notably, Dr. Carmy is
actively mentoring Dr. Le and his wife,
empowering them to instruct and lead
fellow residents during intricate
surgical procedures. Dr. Le's
exceptional qualifications and expertise
in dental implantology have merited
him recognition and membership as a
certified specialist in dental
implantology by the American
Academy of Implant Dentistry
(AAID).
Revolutionizing Oral Healthcare
The inception of 7 Day Dental in 1990
at the Euclid office in Anaheim marked
Dr. Le's entrepreneurial spirit and
commitment to accessible dental care.
Over the years, 7 Day Dental has
expanded to four locations in Orange
County, including additional offices in
Anaheim on Lincoln Avenue, and the
most recent ones in Ladera Ranch and
Laguna Woods.
Multi-specialty dental practices, as
exemplified by 7 Day Dental, represent
a groundbreaking shift in the approach
and management of oral health. These
innovative establishments unite a team
of dental specialists under one roof,
offering a comprehensive range of
services tailored to address every
aspect of patients' dental needs. By
integrating diverse disciplines, these
practices redefine the dental
experience, emphasizing convenience,
expert collaborative care, and a
steadfast commitment to sustaining
long-term oral health.
Patients benefit from a streamlined and
expedient journey, accessing a wide
spectrum of treatments all in one
convenient location. This eliminates
the need for multiple visits to different
offices, providing a cohesive approach
to receiving a range of treatments,
from routine check-ups to intricate
procedures.
Making a Global Impact in
Healthcare
For many years, Dr. Le has devoted his
personal time and resources to engage
with organizations and initiatives
dedicated to assisting the less
fortunate, as well as fostering youth
development and well-being on both a
national and international scale. His
philanthropic endeavors have
encompassed significant contributions,
such as aiding in the aftermath of the
2004 tsunami in Thailand and
participating in restoration efforts
following major conflagrations in
Vietnam.
worldsleaders.com | 25

Dr.
Eric
EricTo
To
Eric To, the founder of Parklane
Dental, had dedicated his life to
transforming people's confidence
through his expertise in dentistry.
With a combination of smile
artistry, modern technology, and
advanced materials, he was
prepared to restore the confidence
of his patients through healthy
smiles.
Having specialized in cosmetic
dentistry for over 15 years, Dr. Eric
To took immense pride in his
ability to enhance thousands of
smiles. His artistic focus on Smile
Makeovers and dental veneers
allowed him to bring about
remarkable improvements in the
appearance of his patients' teeth. He
genuinely enjoyed merging his
creativity with his passion for
dental artistry to design the dream
smiles his patients deserved.
Dr. Eric To's commitment to
creating beautiful smiles was
deeply influenced by his upbringing
and family values. He firmly
believed that individuals of all ages
deserved a smile they could
proudly share with their loved ones
and the world at large. He
understood that life could
sometimes present unexpected
circumstances that altered the
appearance of one's smile, but he
firmly believed that this should
never diminish one's sense of pride
in their smile.
For Dr. Eric To, the transformation
of a smile using veneers, crowns,
bridges, or dentures was not only
aesthetically stimulating but also
intellectually engaging. Designing
a new smile was akin to solving a
complex puzzle, one that
challenged his skills and creativity.
When crafting smile makeovers,
Dr. Eric To placed great emphasis
on listening to his patients' dental
needs and striving to achieve their
desired dental goals while ensuring
a natural-looking smile.
DR.
26 | March 2024

About the Center
Parklane Dental boasts a world-class team of dental specialists who
possess the expertise to fully restore a person's smile. Whether it
involves veneers, implants, crowns, bridges, braces, or Invisalign,
their comprehensive range of services catered to individual needs
includes both single-tooth treatments and full mouth
reconstructions. Situated in Los Angeles, Parklane Dental has
garnered a reputation for its exceptional dental care and ability to
transform smiles to their optimal appearance and function. With
their skilled specialists and commitment to delivering top-notch
results, patients can expect outstanding dental treatment and the
restoration of their radiant smiles at Parklane Dental.
Founder
Parklane Dental
Dr. Eric To

Cherukupally(MD)
Pioneering Regenerative
Medicine for Holistic Wellness
28 | March 2024

Dr. Pallavi
Cherukupally, MD, is the
MD/Owner of Pink Lotus Med,
leading the charge in pioneering
regenera ve medicine for holis c
wellness. Her journey in the medical
field began with medical school at
LSU, followed by a residency in
PM&R at the University of Chicago.
Driven by a passion for sports
medicine, she pursued a fellowship
in sports and interven onal spine at
Portner Orthopedic in Hawaii.
A er gaining extensive experience
in a general orthopedic prac ce for
eight years, Dr. Cherukupally
recognized the limita ons of
tradi onal treatments for many
pa ents. In 2013, she delved into
the field of regenera ve medicine,
specifically focusing on stem cell
therapy. This interest led her to
establish her own prac ce,
Regenera ve Sport Spine and Spa,
where the emphasis is on natural
treatments such as PRP and stem
cell therapy for spine and joint
issues.
In addi on to regenera ve
therapies, Dr. Cherukupally's
prac ce extends to an -aging
treatments, including bio-iden cal
hormone therapies and pep de
therapies for health op miza on.
The prac ce also incorporates
regenera ve cosme c treatments to
help pa ents achieve a more
youthful appearance.
As a leader within her workplace,
Dr. Cherukupally is known for her
steady leadership, efficient work
ethic, and commitment to
advancing treatments through
research. She treats both her staff
and clients with respect, valuing
their me and contribu ons.
Outside of her professional pursuits,
Dr. Cherukupally maintains an ac ve
lifestyle, engaging in sports
ac vi es such as beach volleyball,
aerial silks, and water sports like
kayaking, SUP, and surfing. She has
a profound love for travel, exploring
interna onal des na ons to enrich
her experiences.
30 | March 2024

Entrepreneurial Journey
For Dr. Cherukupally, the most significant risk has been the
establishment of her own office, recognizing the inherent
challenges in the business realm where approximately 90% of
ventures fail within the initial two years. Over the next five
years, her goals include continual exploration of innovative
methods to facilitate individuals in achieving optimal health,
integrating these findings into her medical practices.
In addition to her medical pursuits, Dr. Cherukupally envisions
the initiation of an all-natural supplement line. This line aims to
target the optimization of bodily functions and the stimulation
of stem cell production, contributing to holistic health
approaches.
Dr. Cherukupally is actively collaborating with
partners to establish Stem Cell and Health
Optimization clinics nationwide, reflecting a
strategic expansion plan that aligns with her
commitment to advancing healthcare and well-
being on a broader scale.
Evolving Healthcare
Dr. Cherukupally emphasizes her commitment to
continuous growth and development. She actively
engages in researching new methods to enhance
well-being as individuals age and explores ways to
stay active and prevent deterioration. Over the past
2-3 years, her focus has been on longevity and
optimizing the human body. Dr. Cherukupally has
implemented these innovative practices in her
previous venture, Regenerative Sport Spine and
Spa, and in her current practice, Pink Lotus Med.
She believes in thinking outside the box in
healthcare, moving beyond traditional treatment
methods, and finding meaningful ways to address
diseases or optimize health for individuals to
thrive.
Comprehensive Well-being
As the owner and MD of Pink Lotus Med, Dr.
Cherukupally takes on the responsibility of offering
comprehensive options for clients to feel great. She
explores various modalities such as stem cell
therapy, hormone or peptide therapy, and
optimizing supplements to address issues like
fatigue and reduced activity levels associated with
aging. Dr. Cherukupally is passionate about
spreading awareness regarding alternative and
more effective ways to treat such concerns,
challenging traditional approaches. One of the
rewarding aspects of her daily routine is creating
personalized protocols for clients with different
goals and witnessing their positive transformations
during follow-up visits. Seeing clients regain
energy, overcome pain, and embrace life brings
happiness to her role.

A Tech Proﬁcient with
Diverse Exper se in
Na onal Security and
Related Industries
Haden A.
Haden A.
Haden A.
Land
Land
Land

With a professional experience
spanning over four decades, Haden
Land possesses a diverse range of
expertise that caters to the
requirements of businesses and
government agencies working in
national security and related
industries, as well as beyond. As both
the CEO and CTO of S2P, Haden's
responsibilities are comprehensive,
covering all aspects of the business,
from start to ﬁnish. These
responsibilities are similar to those
held by the CEO and CTO of a startup
software company.
Haden takes great pleasure in
witnessing successful business
execution outcomes from optimizing
and establishing processes, people,
and technology in all essential
aspects of S2P's business operations.
He also relishes coaching and
mentoring people within the
enterprise, collaborating with
strategic partners, and engaging with
customers.
W
36 | March 2024

Previous Work Journey
Prior to joining S2P, Land held the
position of President at his Cyber
Security and IT Senior Executive
Consulting firm and previously
served as the Vice President (VP) of
Research and Technology at
Lockheed Martin. In this role, he was
responsible for technical solutions,
strategic partnerships, global
innovation centers, research and
development, and emerging
technology planning. Before that, he
occupied various executive-level
positions at Lockheed Martin, such
as Engineering VP, R&D VP, CTO,
and CIO. In these roles, he was
accountable for devising and
implementing enterprise-wide
solutions for key customers,
including the Department of Defense,
civilian agencies, the Ministry of
Defense, USG Corporation, Fluor
Corporation, and General Motors, as
well as point solutions across other
domains. Land has also worked for
previous employers such as IBM and
Loral.
Haden Land has held several
leadership positions in the past,
which include serving as the Capitol
Technology University Board
Chairman, Prince George's
Community College Foundation
Board Chairman, Hispanic
Information Technology Executive
Council Board Director, Potsdam
University Board Trustee, Syracuse
University Engineering & Computer
Science College Dean's Leadership
Council member, Cyber Maryland
Advisory Board Member,
Washington DC CIO Executive
Committee Chair, and World
Economic Forum Member. He is a
lifetime member of the Upsilon Pi
Epsilon and Epsilon Delta Pi Honor
Societies and an Emeritus Trustee
Chair at Capitol Technology
University.
Land holds a bachelor's degree in
Mathematics and Computer Science
from Potsdam University and a
master's degree in Computer Science
from Syracuse University. He has
been honored with two honorary
degrees, a Doctor of Science from
Potsdam University and a Doctor of
Humane Letters from Capitol
College.
Haden Land has received several
accolades for his contributions to the
business and technology industry,
including being selected eight times
as one of the Top Hispanics in
Business and Technology by HE&IT
magazine, being named a Most
Influential Hispanic three times by
HITEC, and receiving the prestigious
Global CIO Executive Top 10
Breakaway Leader award from
EVANTA. He was also honored with
the Minera Lifetime Achievement
Award from Potsdam University.
Land has extensive expertise in
various technological areas such as
cloud computing, big data, cyber
security, enterprise mobility, complex
adaptive systems, engineering, IT
assessments, R&D, enterprise
architecture, business continuity/DR.
Furthermore, he has domain
knowledge within several industries,
including government, space, energy,
law enforcement, transportation,
financial, and healthcare.
Best Risk Management Offerings
S2P is a company that specializes in
healthcare and infectious-disease
risk-management solutions. Their
innovative offerings are designed to
keep people safe and organizations
productive by preventing, mitigating,
and controlling the spread of
infectious diseases. They provide
comprehensive and advanced data-
driven, intelligence-driven infectious
disease safety programs to
businesses, government agencies,
schools, and healthcare providers.
The main objective of S2P is to
empower their clients by protecting
their employees and families from
infectious diseases, avoiding
lockdowns, maintaining productivity
by preventing loss of work hours,
and demonstrating their clients' focus
on workplace health risk
management. By doing so, S2P helps
their clients prevent disease
outbreaks and minimize their impact,
enabling them to operate effectively
and safely in today's challenging
environment.

Miranda
Miranda
Miranda

Miranda Yeager, Chief Client Officer at
Gateway Health Partners, is a seasoned
professional with over two decades of
experience driving innovation and
excellence in healthcare. With a
multifaceted background spanning account
management, sales, product development,
operations, and clinical management,
Miranda has established herself as a pace-
setter in the industry.
With her background supporting health
plans, PBMs, specialty pharmacy, and
others, Miranda excels at identifying and
capitalizing on opportunities in partners' go-
to-market strategies. Her strategic insight
and leadership are instrumental in managing
client relationships and driving
collaborative growth. In her role, she
oversees account management and clinical
services teams to ensure optimal outcomes
for clients.
At Gateway Health Partners, Miranda is
dedicated to combining her business
acumen with technical expertise to deliver
unparalleled client service. Her passion for
fostering deep relationships based on
transparency, authenticity, and radical
candor sets her apart as a leader in the field.
Under her guidance, Gateway Health
Partners has become known for delivering
best-in-class service and lowest net cost
through a unique "stand-alone"
pharmaceutical purchasing model.
Miranda's impressive career includes roles
at CatalystRx Health Solutions (later
Catamaran) and WellPoint/Anthem. Early
in her career, she served as Director of
Clinical Pharmacy at BCBS of North
Carolina. She holds a pharmacy degree
from Auburn University and a Master's in
Pharmaceutical Policy and Evaluative
Sciences from the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, underscoring her
commitment to continuous learning and
excellence in her field.
A Pillar of Strength and Compassion
Miranda is known for her level-headedness
and maintaining a calm demeanor in
challenging situations. Many see her as a
stabilizing presence both at work and in
personal matters. Miranda's strengths are
seen as articulateness, clarity, precision, and
the ability to foster consensus on complex
issues. Miranda is approachable and
genuine, prioritizing responsiveness and
loyalty to her clients. Beyond her
professional life, she is dedicated to her
roles as a wife, stepmother, dog owner,
daughter, and sister. She actively engages in
volunteer work like providing music to
people with disabilities and distributing
Thanksgiving meals to families in need. In
her leisure time, Miranda enjoys word
games, puzzles, and is a passionate fan of
Carolina Hurricanes hockey and Alabama
football.
A Dynamic Journey
Miranda's journey in the pharmaceutical
and healthcare industry has been diverse
and enriching. She began her career as a
pharmacist, gaining valuable experience in
retail before transitioning to a role as a sales
representative for Glaxo, now known as
Glaxo SmithKline. It was during this time
that Miranda honed skills such as
preparedness and effective presentation,
which she continues to utilize today.
Feeling the need to deepen her
understanding of the healthcare system,
Miranda pursued further education, earning
her master's degree focused on
pharmacoeconomics. This led her to roles in
consulting and eventually to Blue Cross
Blue Shield of North Carolina, where she
played a pivotal role in transitioning the
pharmacy plan to a more managed care
system.
44 | March 2024

Healthcare is a vibrant business with
enormous opportunities, but it can also
be unsettling due to cost worries,
unpredictability, and complexity. There
is significant potential for players who
can produce value-creating solutions
and prosper in the face of
unpredictability.
Given population aging, the rising
prevalence of chronic disease, and the
desire for a greater quality of life, the
intrinsic demand for healthcare
services in the United States continues
to rise. Aside from rising demand,
three additional main aspects
contribute to healthcare being a
dynamic business with tremendous
opportunity:
Consumers, companies, and the
government continue to see the
financial burden of healthcare rise
faster than their earnings or revenues, a
long-standing disparity that is unlikely
to be closed anytime soon.
Furthermore, new issues develop, such
as the continuing opioid crisis. As a
result, there has been and will continue
to be a constant quest for new ideas
and changes, keeping the business in
flux.
Not only are regulations changing, but
so are three other areas: technology
(both medical science and technology,
as well as the onward march of big
data, advanced analytics, machine
learning, and digital), industry
orientation (the shift toward B2C and
rapidly rising consumer expectations),
and risk reallocation across the value
chain.
These pressures are profoundly
changing the industry's structure and
the basis of competitiveness.
The considerable headroom for
improvement in healthcare (about $500
billion within the $3 trillion US
healthcare system, according to most
estimates) presents enormous
opportunities for value creation.
Healthcare is an attractive business
because of its rapid development,
significant changes, and high wealth
generating potential. At the same time,
it is unsettling due to cost worries,
unpredictability, and complexity. There
is significant potential for players who
can produce value-creating solutions
and prosper in the face of
unpredictability.
The assumption that such a corporation
may effectively disrupt the
pharmaceutical value chain is based on
a number of fundamental
considerations. First, the market's size
and attractiveness ($500 billion in
sales) may support significant
investment. Indeed, pharmacy is the
second-largest retail sector in the US
and the only big area where Amazon
does not yet have a significant
presence. Second, the economic
dispersion throughout the value chain
is wide and may be vulnerable to
upheaval. Across the pharmaceutical
value chain, middlemen keep about
$100 billion in profit margins. Finally,
there is indication that customer desire
for direct internet medicine purchases
may be increasing. Although
development in mail-order pharmacy
penetration has slowed in recent years,
first initiatives to offer prescription
pharmaceuticals online (e.g., through
start-ups like Pill Pack and Lemonaid
Health) have begun to gain traction.
The hurdles that a hypothetical
technological entry to the
pharmaceutical value chain would face
are significant. An internet retailer
would have to overcome operational
and regulatory obstacles. It would also
need to locate and cooperate with
interested players in other sections of
the healthcare business, such as payers
and pharmaceutical firms. However, if
an online vendor can overcome these
obstacles and achieve a presence in the
pharmacy business, the potential
disruption to the pharmaceutical value
chain and industry profit pools might
be enormous.
H

A Multifaceted Medical Expert,
Entrepreneur, and Adventurer
, MD

Primary Leadership Principles
Dr. Pontinen offers valuable advice for those stepping into a leadership position for the first
time:
Ÿ Be Open-Minded: Embrace new ideas and approaches, and be willing to adapt to change.
Ÿ Stay Humble: Remember that you don't have all the answers, and be open to learning from
others.
Ÿ Embrace Failure: Don't fear failure; instead, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Ÿ Accept That Not Everyone Will Like You: Leadership often involves making tough decisions,
and not everyone will agree with you. Focus on the greater good. Steve Jobs once said, “If
you want to make everyone happy, don't be a leader, sell ice cream.”
Ÿ Put Others First: Prioritize the needs of those you lead over your own. This selflessness
fosters trust and teamwork.
Ÿ Avoid Greed: Be mindful of not succumbing to personal greed, as it can lead to unethical
decisions and harm your reputation.
Ÿ Maintain Equality: Treat everyone with respect and avoid viewing yourself as superior to
others.
Ÿ Cultivate Relationships: Business success relies on positive relationships. Be friendly,
considerate, and attentive to others' needs and perspectives, as this will help you build
strong partnerships and collaborations. When negotiating, avoid focusing on what you want,
but come first to understand what the other party wants and why.
Meet Dr. Thomas Pontinen, a double-board certified
specialist in anesthesiology and interventional pain
medicine. He is a co-founder of MAPS Centers For Pain
Control, which is now the largest interventional pain
practice in Chicago. His extensive training includes
residencies in anesthesiology and general surgery and a
fellowship in interventional pain management, under the
guidance of some of the nation's leading experts in the
fields.
Dr. Pontinen is a prolific researcher, with publications in
medical journals and contributions to textbook chapters. He
has presented at international conferences in surgery,
anesthesiology, and pain medicine. His research on chronic
wound pain has been featured in Pain Medicine News, a
prominent source of information in the field. His expertise
has earned him multiple awards from prestigious
organizations such as US News & World Report and
WebMD. Beyond his research, Dr. Pontinen is known for
his compassionate patient care, working tirelessly to help
patients regain their quality of life and resume the activities
they love. He specializes in addressing complex pain cases
through a holistic and integrative approach, utilizing a
range of treatment modalities and cutting-edge, minimally
invasive procedures.
Additionally, he holds certification as a life care planner
(LCP-C), enabling him to assist patients with catastrophic
injuries or illnesses by projecting their future medical and
non-medical needs.
Dr. Pontinen is not only dedicated to his practice but also to
humanitarian efforts. He works with Doctors Without
Borders, a globally recognized healthcare-related volunteer
organization, delivering medical care to underserved
populations in unstable regions. He has done volunteer
work around the world including multiple areas in SE Asia
and Africa, including two months in South Sudan providing
52 | March 2024

trauma care in their civil war.
Outside of his medical career, Dr.
Pontinen is an adventure enthusiast,
participating in activities such as
snowboarding, mountaineering,
skydiving, scuba diving, motorcycling,
improve acting, and drumming. His
diverse interests reflect a dynamic and
multifaceted individual.
A Journey of Diverse Passions and
Personal Growth
Dr. Pontinen's journey has been a
remarkable exploration of diverse
interests and a pursuit of personal
fulfillment. Initially majoring in
business management in college, he
discovered that his true passion lay in
directly helping others and delving into
the world of science. This realization
prompted a switch to a career in
medicine. During his residency, he
dabbled in trauma surgery, seeking the
excitement it offered. However, the
burnout led him to shift to anesthesia.
In this field, he missed the meaningful
patient connections and decided to
embark on a pain management
fellowship.
In pain management, Dr. Pontinen
found the perfect balance. He could
still perform procedures and work with
his hands, all while forming deep
connections with patients, some of
whom have become friends over the
years. He continues to practice
anesthesia as well, which he still
enjoys, and now that he runs MAPS as
well (a medium sized business), he has
come full circle to his college major in
business management. Dr. Pontinen,
along with his friend and co-fellow Dr.
Darrel Saldanha, started MAPS, a
practice that has grown from one small
clinic and two providers to now the
largest pain practice in Chicago with
15 providers, over 50 additional staff
members, six offices, multiple
contracts with other clinics and
hospitals, and two affiliated surgical
centers. He feels his current team,
including Gabriela Maldonado, Dr.
Billy Hayduk, and Dr. Adarsh Shukla,
is the best clinical team in Chicago and
is what makes MAPS what it is today.

World’s Transformational Healthcare Leaders Making A Footprint in 2024

World’s Transformational Healthcare Leaders Making A Footprint in 2024

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