VALENCIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. HealthWorks, one of the largest operators of occupational healthcare centers in the nation, announced today that Dr. Mark Pucek has been named Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Dr. Bernyce Peplowski has been promoted to Senior Vice President for National Medical Policy and Innovation, a new position at the Company.
U.S. HealthWorks has 208 centers and worksite locations in 19 states and employs more than 2,700 people. The centers offer occupational health services, as well as physical therapy, chiropractic and urgent care.
“Dr. Pucek and Dr. Peplowski are stepping forward to help lead this organization as we continue to build on our vision to be the leading outpatient occupational healthcare company in the nation with a sterling reputation for both quality and service,” said U.S. HealthWorks CEO Daniel D. Crowley.
Dr. Pucek’s previous position with U.S. HealthWorks was Regional Medical Director for the Southeast and Southwest. He has been a member of the U.S. HealthWorks Medical Executive Committee since 1998 and was named Chairman in November 2012.
During his tenure on the Medical Executive Committee, Dr. Pucek played a large role in the development of national and regional policies and procedures related to medical professional conduct, best medical practices, medical formulary decisions, and quality of care.
“Dr. Pucek stands out as a leader in our organization, and it was an easy decision to promote him to Chief Medical Officer,” said U.S. HealthWorks CEO Daniel D. Crowley. “Dr. Pucek has strong ideas about how to run our centers with a focus on quality and service. I look forward to having him fully engaged in his new role.”
Dr. Pucek was Founder/Owner/Center Medical Director for Houston Center for Occupational Medicine. In 1996, it was the first occupational medicine practice center acquired by U.S. HealthWorks.
A resident of Dickinson, Texas, Dr. Pucek received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and attended the University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate studies.
“This is a tremendous honor to be named to a critical leadership position with a dynamic medical group like U.S. HealthWorks,” Pucek said. “Our goal is to continue growing our network to provide high-quality healthcare services throughout the country. We remain focused on efficient delivery of quality care and superior customer service.”
In her new role, Dr. Peplowski will develop national medical initiatives to create the benchmark for how medicine is practiced in the occupational medical clinic setting.
“Dr. Peplowski is well known in our industry and regarded as one of the key thought leaders,” Mr. Crowley said. “She has earned tremendous respect in our industry for her expertise and knowledge. This new position will be a challenging one. But Dr. Peplowski has great ideas and the energy to make them reality.”
Dr. Peplowski joined U.S. HealthWorks in September 2012 as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for California. She was previously Medical Director for the California State Compensation Insurance Fund. Before joining State Fund, she was the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President for Zenith Insurance Company. She worked for the Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group from 1994 to 2006, including seven years as regional chief and physician director for occupational medicine and disability management.
“I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead with U.S. HealthWorks. This is a wonderful opportunity to represent U.S. HealthWorks in another capacity,” Peplowski said. “While it is easy to get distracted by so much that is changing in healthcare today, this organization has remained focused on helping workers get back to work.”
Dr. Peplowski, whose career in occupational medicine spans nearly three decades, received her bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University, a master’s degree in environmental and occupation health from California State University at Northridge, and a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
About U.S. HealthWorks
U.S. HealthWorks, a subsidiary of Dignity Health, is one of the country’s largest operators of occupational healthcare centers with 208 clinics and worksites in 19 states and more than 2,700 employees, including about 800 medical providers. Our centers collectively serve more than 12,000 patients each day, providing quality medical care to help employees return to work and allow employers to effectively manage claims and reduce lost work time. U.S. HealthWorks also offers special early return-to-work, injury prevention and ergonomics programs. For more information, please visit www.ushealthworks.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
