Speakers 2007: William Wright, MD, MSPH
William Wright, MD, MSPH, was named executive medical director of the Colorado Permanente Medical Group (CPMG) in 2007. In this role, Dr. Wright is responsible for shaping the medical care delivered to one in seven insured Coloradans in the Denver/Boulder area, who are members of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Prior to becoming executive medical director, Dr. Wright was CPMG's associate medical director of market and networks. During his 21-year career, Dr. Wright has served in a variety of administrative positions. He was physician-in-charge of the Kaiser Permanente Smoky Hill Medical Offices, regional department chief for Family Practice, chief of Primary Care Departments, associate medical director for Primary Care and Quality, associate medical director for Primary Care Operations and associate medical director for external relations. While serving in these roles, he built an impressive track record as a respected and progressive business leader who has been called on to help advise, influence, and shape the vision for a healthier Colorado. Dr. Wright completed undergraduate work at the University of Oklahoma and received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1980. He completed a family medicine residency at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver. He has a master's degree in public health from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, where his thesis project focused on factors that affect health care utilization. This topic continues to interest him today and with even greater urgency as he pursues innovative solutions to keep health care affordable and accessible. Dr. Wright belongs to the American Academy of Family Practice, the Colorado Academy of Family Practice, and the Colorado Medical Society.