Patrick Conway, MD, is arguably the most powerful physician in America.
As CMO of CMS, Dr. Conway, 41, has been part of almost every significant healthcare policy change enacted or considered by the Obama administration, affecting tens of millions of citizens. He directs federal health programs that spend nearly $1 trillion each year, according to The New York Times. That's just what he does Monday through Friday.
Every few weekends, Dr. Conway treats patients at the Children's NationalMedicalCenter in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Conway's service as a clinician pushes back against complaints by many physicians and hospital executives that CMS is bogged down by bureaucrats who are out of touch with how care is delivered in the real world.
In fact, Dr. Conway said his experience at the children's hospital has contributed directly to changes in federal policy, such as a new rule that expands the role of dieticians, according to the report.
"He has the experience of being a clinician, a direct provider of healthcare services, but also has an incredible grasp of the administrative and policy aspects of healthcare," Debra L. Ness, president of the National Partnership for Women and Facilities, told The New York Times.
Dr. Conway has a way of relaxing critics who have deemed federal healthcare regulations rigid and oppressive. He recalls one physician who pulled him aside after delivering a speech to clinicians and hospital executives and said, "I always thought CMS was evil. But you're not evil. You seem very nice. I could work with you."