Ronald L. Copeland, MD, FACS

Ronald L. Copeland, MD, is senior vice president of national equity, inclusion, and diversity strategy and policy, and chief equity, inclusion, and diversity officer for Kaiser Permanente.

Dr. Copeland oversees enterprise strategies that strengthen inclusive workforce engagement, promote inclusive practices in care delivery, and deepen community partnerships. Drawing on his experience in medicine and health care leadership, he leads initiatives that expand access to care and support better health outcomes for Kaiser Permanente members and communities.

A recognized leader in efforts to improve health equity, Dr. Copeland contributes to national conversations on strengthening health care access, improving outcomes, and deepening partnerships between health systems and the communities they serve.

Dr. Copeland has built a distinguished career spanning clinical medicine and health care leadership. A board-certified general surgeon, he joined Kaiser Permanente in 1988 following 6 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force Medical Corps.

Prior to assuming his current role in 2012, Dr. Copeland served as president and executive medical director of the Ohio Permanente Medical Group. During his tenure, the Ohio Center of Excellence for Culturally Competent Care was established and gained national recognition for advancing health care practices that improve access and health outcomes.

Dr. Copeland’s commitment to improving health outcomes and strengthening communities extends beyond Kaiser Permanente. He serves on the boards of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, the National Organization on Disability, and the Center for Healthcare Innovation.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his residency in general surgery at State University of New York Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York, and later attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He is fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Copeland has received numerous honors recognizing his leadership in health care and health equity, including recognition from Modern Healthcare.