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Theodore Long
Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care at NYC Health + Hospitals / Executive Director of NYC COVID-19 Test & Trace Corps
Professional Background
Dr. Theodore Long, MD, MHS, serves as the Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care at New York City Health + Hospitals, which is the largest public healthcare system in the United States. In this pivotal role, he is at the forefront of transforming ambulatory care services to ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all New Yorkers. With an impressive portfolio that includes overseeing more than five million annual visits and a comprehensive network of over 70 primary care clinic sites, Dr. Long is committed to enhancing the healthcare experience for the city's diverse population. He also leads the NYC COVID-19 Test & Trace Corps, playing a crucial role in managing testing and contact tracing for the city's over 8 million residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notably, Dr. Long's leadership extends to the NYC Care program, which aims to provide universal access to medical services. Through his efforts in population health management, he champions initiatives that focus on preventive care and systematic health access solutions across New York City, ensuring that essential medical services reach vulnerable populations.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Long embarked on his distinguished educational journey at Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in American Health Policy and a Master's in Health Services Research from the Yale School of Medicine. His commitment to healthcare accelerated further as he obtained his MD from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Throughout his academic and professional pursuits, he has dedicated himself to understanding and improving patient care on multiple fronts.
Before his current position, Dr. Long was instrumental in shaping healthcare policy at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a Senior Medical Officer. There, he spearheaded over 20 federal programs, including the notable Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), which reformed how Medicare physicians are reimbursed based on quality rather than quantity of care. He also played a critical role in vital programs, including the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program and the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program, significantly impacting the effectiveness and efficiency of health care delivery nationwide.
Dr. Long’s journey in healthcare began in Rhode Island, where he served as the Medical Director at the State Department of Health, focusing on healthcare planning initiatives and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of health service capacity and access to care across the state. His academic involvement extends to the Yale School of Medicine and the Harvard Medical School Center for Primary Care, where he imparts his vast knowledge of health policy and administration to the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Notable Contributions and Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Dr. Long has held several leadership positions that emphasize his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. As the former Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Vice President of Primary Care at NYC Health + Hospitals, he was pivotal in advancing the facilities he oversaw to ensure they met the healthcare demands of New Yorkers effectively and efficiently. His tenure involved rigorous analysis and innovative strategies that shaped the way care was delivered across the healthcare system.
Moreover, Dr. Long's affiliation with the Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation as a Scientist highlights his dedication to evidence-based healthcare improvements. As an Associate Editor for the Postgraduate Medical Journal at BMJ, he contributed to the dissemination of critical research findings and best practices in medicine. His previous recognition as a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar at Yale University further highlights his commitment to medical education and research, focusing on translating research into practice to improve healthcare quality and outcomes.
Conclusion
Dr. Theodore Long's career embodies a profound dedication to improving healthcare access and quality for diverse populations, particularly in urban settings. His extensive education, diverse experiences, and impactful leadership roles in both healthcare and policy emphasize his commitment to fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape. With his vision and expertise, Dr. Long continues to shape the future of healthcare delivery in New York City and beyond, ensuring that essential services remain accessible for all.
