Get to Know PHP’s Associate Medical Director
At Physicians Health Plan, it’s about so much more than health insurance, and our Associate Medical Director would agree. Dr. Mark King joined PHP on January 1, 2018 in the role of Associate Medical Director, and is involved in leading the overall direction and coordination of medical care within PHP. A long standing family practice physician based in Fort Wayne, he has an extensive professional biography and is well connected within the community.
In a recent BusinessPeople Magazine article, Dr. King shared, “At PHP, it’s not a matter of authorizing or denying care to a patient. It’s about helping that person to navigate through a difficult process.” He believes helping members to be an extremely personal endeavor for PHP, and being a local insurance provider helps.
We asked Dr. Mark King a few questions to help you get to know him, learn about what he does for PHP, and maybe catch an interesting fact or two.
Let’s Get the Facts
How did he first learn about PHP?
Dr. King started in the residency program in Fort Wayne in 1987. He has been practicing for 31 years. Through various events including golf outings, patients who had PHP insurance and PHP’s hometown presence, he remembers many great experiences with PHP.
What made him want to join the PHP team?
In seeking a time to reflect and refresh, while remaining academically involved and engaged, Dr King found PHP to be a great fit. He continues to teach in the Fort Wayne Family Practice residency program.
What does Dr. King find most rewarding about working at PHP?
At PHP, Dr. King still enjoys making a positive difference in people’s lives. Having come from the patient-care side, he understands how to take a positive and proactive approach to helping people get what they need at the right place and the right time. He appreciates that we at PHP are encouraged to always do the right thing.
What does his day-to-day role look like at PHP?
Dr. King reviews cases that have already been examined by nurses and social workers that perhaps didn’t fit PHP’s policy and makes decisions about them. This involves a conversation with the physician so that he has all the facts and information to make the right decision.
In that same BusinessPeople article, Dr. King shared, “People who are dealing with a life-changing medical diagnosis need help and hope.” He appreciates being able to work with these tough cases to provide that help and hope whenever possible.
What is Dr. Mark King’s view of leadership?
Being a leader looks like seizing opportunities to connect in the community, along with stewarding time and money well.
Shifting Gears, Here’s Some Favorites
What is the best vacation he’s ever been on?
When asked, he shared that a Caribbean cruise celebrating his anniversary was one of his best trips. On a more regular basis, he also enjoys hunting trips to places like Wyoming and Canada.
What is Dr. King’s favorite thing to do in Fort Wayne?
With lots to choose from, attending sporting and music events would be considered his favorite. Dr. King is the team doctor for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
Does he have any pets?
A lap dog named Remi
What is Dr. King’s life motto or mantra?
While it depends on the audience, he’d say, “Treat everyone equally, and be humble.”
It was a great privilege to interview our Associate Medical Director, Dr. Mark King, and we hope it gives you more insight into the faces behind PHP. Stay tuned for more employee spotlights in the future!